An independent inquiry has been launched by the Premier League into Everton hiring Marco Silva as their manager which could result in a heavy sanction – and in the worst case scenario a points deduction – for the club.

The investigation will centre on an alleged “tapping-up” of Silva while he was the head coach of Watford. The Portuguese was Everton’s first-choice to replace Ronald Koeman last autumn before Sam Allardyce eventually took over. Watford even rejected an offer of £12million in compensation for Silva from Everton.

The inquiry may require leading figures at Everton, including owner Farhad Moshiri and board members, to hand over phone records to an independent QC who was appointed last week to ascertain the extent of the club’s contact with Silva at that time.

Watford are adamant that they want the inquiry to punish Everton and believe the interest in Silva derailed their season and led to them fighting a battle against relegation. Silva was eventually sacked by Watford in January after a deterioration of their results, with one win in 11 matches, with the club saying Everton’s “illegal” approach had been a “catalyst for this decision”.