Everton have once again failed to prise Marco Silva away from Watford after offering the Hornets a £10m compensation package for the 40-year-old, who is believed to be keen on taking up the reins at Goodison Park.

Former Hull City boss Silva is Toffees majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri's number one managerial target as he bids to find an adequate successor to Ronald Koeman, who was relieved of his duties almost a month ago.

Silva was initially not interested in leaving Vicarage Road but is now keen to speak to Everton, with Moshiri offering to double his wages. The British-Iranian is also prepared to offer a sizeable compensation package to Watford, but the Hertfordshire outfit rejected his £10m proposal and have told the Toffees in no uncertain terms that they do not wish to part with their coach, who was only appointed in May.

They believe Silva's proposed departure would jeopardise their Premier League status and the £100m+ windfall it brings from broadcasting rights alone, according to the Telegraph.

Watford rejected Everton's request to speak to Silva on Monday (13 November) and will not entertain any more approaches from the Toffees unless the former Estoril boss actively pushes to leave. Silva succeeded Walter Mazzarri at the end of last season and has no escape clause in his two-year contract.

It remains to be seen if Everton up their offer for Silva, but it is looking extremely likely that interim boss David Unsworth will be in the dugout when his side travel to face fellow strugglers Crystal Palace on Saturday. Unsworth was initially given the four games prior to the international break to stake a claim for the Everton hotseat, but three defeats and one victory somewhat diminished his chances of being appointed Koeman's permanent successor.

But, with no imminent appointment on the horizon, the former Everton and West Ham United full-back could well be in control of senior matters for the next couple of weeks. 'Rhino' was said to be Everton chairman Bill Kenwright's first-choice for the vacant managerial position on Merseyside but admitted recently that he still does not know what his short-term future holds. Moshiri does not hold Kenwright's view over Unsworth, and is looking for a more stellar name to man the touchline at Goodison.

Marco Silva
Watford intend to keep hold of Silva and certainly haven't welcomed Everton's interest Getty Images