Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has hit out at reports he was sluggish to make a move for now Watford head coach Marco Silva, saying he had been "begged" to see him by the Portuguese man's agent.

The Daily Mail has published claims Silva was left unimpressed by a request from parish Parish, asking the 39-year-old not to talk with other clubs before the Eagles head returned from holiday.

If true, this happened when Silva was already in discussion with Watford, and supposedly only strengthened his desire to take over at Vicarage Road.

But Parish has since taken to Twitter to dispute the reports - and said Silva's agent had requested a meeting with him, only to sign a contract with Watford the following day.

At the time of Silva's appointment, it was understood there had been no contact from South London regarding the role at Selhurst Park.