Everton set to sack Sam Allardyce as club eye Marco Silva to replace him

Everton made an approach for Silva, then under contract at Watford, on 13 November last year and while Silva wanted to leave Watford for Everton, the two clubs could not agree a deal

Sam Allardyce is set to depart Everton imminently (AFP/Getty Images)

Marco Silva is Everton’s top target to replace Sam Allardyce at the end of the season. After deciding to remove the former England manager after a disappointing spell at Goodison Park, they will turn their attention back to the Portuguese coach.

Everton made an approach for Silva, then under contract at Watford, on 13 November last year and while Silva wanted to leave Watford for Everton, the two clubs could not agree a deal. It was not until later that month that Everton gave up on luring Silva away and decided to appoint Allardyce.

Watford’s form declined and Silva was dismissed on 21 January to protect the club’s Premier League status. But now that Silva is a free agent again – he turned down interest from West Bromwich Albion recently – Everton still believe he is the right man to revitalise the club. Silva is still just 40 years old and had a stellar record at Estoril, Sporting CP and Olympiakos before his brief spells with Hull City and Watford last year.

Everton also have an interest in Porto’s Segio Conceicao, who has just won the Portuguese league title, but who is interested in a move to the Premier League. But he would be harder to sign and Silva is understood to be the preferred choice.