Watford have sacked manager Marco Silva following the 2-0 defeat by Leicester City on Saturday, with the club issuing a statement to blame Premier League rivals Everton for their approach earlier in the season that disrupted their run of results.

The 40-year-old Portuguese leaves the Premier League side 10th in the table, but after claiming an impressive 21 points before the end of November, the Hornets have added just another five in two months.

Silva, who arrived at Vicarage Road in the summer after failing to keep Hull City in the Premier League, gained the attentions of Everton as their top target following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman.

But Watford stood firm and blocked the approach from the Merseysiders despite Silva’s desire to open negotiations with the Toffees, and were keen to keep Silva to his two-year contract that still had 18 months left to run.

But after a run of just one victory in their last 11 Premier League games, Watford have decided to sack yet another manager, with the club now on the lookout for their ninth manager in six seasons.

Releasing a statement on Sunday morning to confirm the decision, the club made reference to their unhappiness with Everton’s approach earlier in the season and how, they believe, it affected Watford’s results.

A club statement said: “Watford Football Club has parted company with Marco Silva.

“This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly. The Club is convinced the appointment of Silva was the right one and had it not been for the unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival for his services we would have continued to prosper under his leadership.

“The catalyst for this decision is that unwarranted approach, something which the Board believes has seen a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised.

Silva's Watford had one just one of their last 11 Premier League matches before his dismissal (Getty)

“For the security and success of the football club, the Board believes it has to make a change.