Marco Silva looks set to finally join Everton after reports emerged that the Portuguese boss will replace Sam Allardyce at Goodison Park.

The former Watford head coach was Everton’s preferred target in the autumn and the Toffees even lodged a £20 million offer to prize him away from Vicarage Road.

Silva refused to distance himself from a move to Merseyside and his flirtations with Everton were cited as one of the key reasons behind his Watford dismissal.

Watford claimed Silva’s focus had been impacted by the approach from Everton and this had in turn led to a downturn in results.

An ongoing legal dispute between Silva and Watford – Silva believes he was sacked ahead of time and is owed £750,000 – could derail Everton’s bid to seal a deal for the 40-year-old.

While Allardyce remains in the Everton hot seat for the time being, he is believed to be on borrowed time ahead of a meeting with the club’s major shareholder Farhad Moshiri.

The ex-England boss’ playing style has been at odds with supporters’ expectations and he is expected to be relieved of his duties by the end of the week.