Watford boss Marco Silva refuses to discuss Everton rumours

Watford manager Marco Silva once again refused to be drawn on speculation linking him with the vacant Everton job.

The Portuguese coach is one of the favourites to take over at Goodison Park following the sacking of Ronald Koeman, although the Hornets are reportedly unwilling to let him leave.

Silva has said very little about his future since Koeman left the Toffees on October 23 and, ahead of his side’s Premier League game at Newcastle on Saturday, he would talk only about the game.

“I don’t like to talk about speculation about these things. I’m here to talk about our match, about Newcastle-Watford, nothing more,” said the 40-year-old.

“I don’t give one more word about this situation.”

Watford’s high turnover of managers during the past few years has prompted some pundits to suggest Silva should jump at the chance of a possible move to Merseyside.

The Hornets’ Italian owner Gino Pozzo has dispensed with four managers during the past three years; Billy McKinlay, Slavisa Jokanovic, Quique Sanchez Flores and Walter Mazzarri.

He said: “If you want, our owner Gino Pozzo (can) come here and you make this question for him, OK?

“You know what is most important for me? I tell you; Newcastle-Watford, my team (and) tomorrow’s training session.”

Silva has led his eighth-placed team to five victories from their opening 12 top-flight matches and they are perhaps unlucky not to have more points following some unfortunate defeats, including at Chelsea and Everton.

Weekend opponents Newcastle are out of form following just one win in seven, but Silva expects a tough test against Rafael Benitez’s side at St James’ Park.

“It’s a really difficult game for us. (They are) a good team with a very, very good coach,” Silva said.

“They feel a fantastic support behind them and I believe it’s a very good challenge for us.

“We need to prove during the match on the pitch that we want to win more than our opponent.”