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Everton were willing to pay Watford £20m compensation for Marco Silva, according to reports.

The Toffees' majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri identified Silva as his number one choice to fill the manager's seat, which was left vacant after the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

But the Merseyside club appear to have accepted defeat in their pursuit of the 40-year-old - who was reportedly keen to chat to them about the role.

That is not for a lack of trying or not offering enough money, however, it is simply because Watford did not want to let Silva leave and admirably stuck to their guns: no deal.

Such was Moshiri's desire to land Silva, who is considered one of the world's hottest young managers, that, reportedly, they were willing to part with £20m of their cash.

Whilst that sort of fee is commonplace for a player in this day and age, it is almost unheard of for a manager, especially one with less than a year's worth of experience in the Premier League.

(Image: Getty)

If those reports are true, it is a credit to Watford chairman Scott Duxbury and owner Gino Pozzo that they stood strong.

They know that keeping Silva is key to maintaining their top-half position this season and ensuring it does end up as a year of progress, not stagnation.

It would appear even more likely, though, that Silva may be afforded the chance to speak to other clubs, should they came calling, in summer, but Watford fans always knew it could be a short marraige.