Premier League to investigate Everton over 'illegal approach' for Marco Silva

The Premier League has asked a law firm to investigate if Everton made an illegal approach for Marco Silva when he was Watford's manager last season

The Portuguese coach was heavily linked with Everton after they sacked Ronald Koeman last October but Watford refused to release Silva, rejecting significant offers of compensation from the Merseyside club.

Everton eventually opted for Sam Allardyce instead but Watford's frustration with the speculation surrounding Silva turned to anger when a run of bad results in December and January left them perilously close to the drop zone

Silva was sacked in January and Watford finished the campaign in 14th under Javi Gracia. Everton also fired Allardyce at the end of the season and in May finally got the man they wanted all along, Silva.

Despite Premier League efforts to mediate between the two clubs, and hopes that Richarlison's £40million move from Vicarage Road to Goodison Park meant relations had been restored, Watford's anger over Everton's autumn interest in Silva has not abated.

As a result, the league has been forced to ask lawyers to start a preliminary, independent investigation.

That is expected to take several months and if it suggests Everton do have a "tapping up'' case to answer, the league would then appoint a QC-led commission which would have the power to impose a large fine and perhaps even a points deduction