Marco Silva is house-hunting in Hertfordshire — increasing Watford’s confidence of winning the tug-of-war with Everton over their new manager.

The Hornets ' boss is No.1 target to replace the sacked Ronald Koeman and the Goodison club made two approaches for the Portuguese, which were both rejected.

Watford have always maintained they would not accept any offers for the 40-year-old, who has no release clause in his contract.

Everton still hope that Silva, who is open to speaking to them, might resign just 13 matches into a two-year deal. But he now appears to accept Watford’s stance that he won't be allowed to move mid-season as he is looking for a base in the area.

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The former Hull boss is understood to have bid for a property in nearby Radlett — a sign he intends to stay until the summer at least.

Silva said on Thursday: “Everyone at Watford knows how hard I work – 100 per cent every day – and nothing has changed.

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“I can’t control the speculation from outside and the only way we can prove our commitment is on the pitch.”