Tenth placed Watford have sacked manager Marco Silva after a poor run of form.

Silva, who only arrived in the summer from relegated Hull City, saw his side begin the season in wonderful fashion and they were competing at the top.

However, a run of just one league win in 11 games has seen them sink down the table – although they are still tenth, five points off the relegation places.

The decision also comes just a matter of weeks after Everton made more than one approach to land Silva, offering Watford millions in compensation – which they rejected.

Indeed in their club statement, Watford blamed the approach from Everton for distracting Silva.

“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.”

Now Watford have made the decision, although sources close to the situation confirmed to me that The Hornets have been considering Silva’s position since before the New Year.

I understand that Watford have already spoken with a number of foreign-based coaches including ex-Rubin Kazan chief Javi Garcia, whilst their former boss Slavisa Jokanovic – now at Fulham – has also been in their thinking.

Indeed Garcia is firm favourite with the Bookmakers, and is generally 1/2 across the board.

Former Malaga and Rubin Kazan head coach Javi Gracia is now 1/2 to take over at Watford! pic.twitter.com/h0kFmbtkB8

— Coral (@Coral) January 21, 2018