Watford’s forward has not been able to replicate his early season form and has not scored in the last two months. Now Silva wants to help the Brazilian handle the mental aspect of a difficult few weeks.

“What we can do is be smart with him and take care of him,” said Silva, ahead of today’s match against Leicester. “I don’t want to put all the pressure on him. He had a fantastic impact on Watford and in the Premier League.

“Everybody is talking about him. Arsenal, Chelsea and all these things are normal in one professional career. We need to support him as he’s a boy and needs to understand during one season everything can happen.”

Leicester manager Claude Puel has similar issues surrounding Riyad Mahrez but claims the winger will remain with the club this month.

The 26-year-old has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, but Puel said: “He is enjoying playing for Leicester with his team-mates.