Allardyce is likely to depart after just six months in charge

Sam Allardyce is set to leave Everton this week but the club’s interest in Marco Silva as his replacement is complicated by a continuing dispute with Watford, his former employers.

Allardyce’s departure after just six months in charge is likely to be confirmed after a meeting of the Everton hierarchy. The manager has become a target for supporters’ displeasure and there is a realisation that a summer of change must now play out to recover from an underwhelming campaign that has left the club divided.

Everton are keen to hire Silva, who was their target before Allardyce last November, but the situation is not straightforward because of the anger still felt by Watford over the events that led to the Portuguese coach’s dismissal in January.