Everton are close to signing Richarlison from Watford in a transfer which could be worth up to £50million.

Marco Silva has returned to his former club in pursuit of the 21-year-old Brazilian who made an explosive start to his career in England.

Watford stand to make a staggering profit on Richarlison, a striker who was signed for £11.5m from Fluminense on a five-year deal last summer having starred in the Under-20 World Cup.

Everton close to signing Richarlison from Watford in a deal worth up to £50million

Richarlison impressed during the first half of last season under then-Watford boss Marco Silva

He scored five goals in his first dozen Premier League games, and impressed with his fast and aggressive dribbling style, often playing from the left in a front-three.

His goals dried up, and he has not scored since November but Silva enjoyed a good relationship with Richarlison and is certain he can coax the best from him.

The board at Goodison Park are determined to back their manager in the transfer market even though it means reopening negotiations with Watford.

Watford are set to make a staggering profit on the £11.5m they spent on him last summer

Relations between the two clubs have been strained since Everton tried to tempt 41-year-old Silva from Vicarage Road, last season.

Everton made repeated approaches for his services, starting when the two teams met on Merseyside in November.

Watford’s owner Gino Pozzo refused to yield despite offers of compensation thought to go as high as £20m but later become convinced Silva’s focus had been unsettled by the episode.

New Everton manager Silva is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old Brazilian forward

After only one win in 10 Premier League games and a slump towards relegation the manager was dismissed in January, claiming £750,000 for the final six months of his contract, and replaced by Javi Gracia.

In May, having rallied to finish 14th, Watford filed an official complaint to the Premier League against Everton for making an illegal approach for Silva.

Sam Allardyce, who had been appointed to replace Ronald Koeman at Goodison Park at the end of November, was sacked when the season ended and Silva was appointed on a three-year contract.

Watford’s complaint remains on the table although a truce could be reached as part of the talks over the Richarlison transfer.