Marco Silva backed to take Everton job as hunt for Koeman replacement goes on

Watford manager Marco Silva has emerged as one of the favourites to take over at Everton.

After speculation surrounding Sam Allardyce and Burnley boss Sean Dyche, who have both been backed to shorter than even money since Ronald Koeman left the club in October, it now seems that the Toffees have changed their approach.

Silva has only been in charge of the Hornets since May, and despite reports that the club have already rejected an approach for him by Everton, Paddy Power still price the 40-year-old as second-favourite at 6/4 (2.50).

The Portuguese - who was 12/1 (13.0) with Paddy Power last week - has led Watford to ninth in the Premier League table this season after nearly saving Hull City from relegation last term, and has been tipped for big things despite only being relatively young in managerial circles.

Caretaker boss David Unsworth remains Paddy Power’s favourite to take the reins on a permanent basis, with the Toffees legend priced at 11/8 (2.38).

The 44-year-old has already overseen four matches since Koeman was fired, and it is worth noting that he will be settled as the market winner if he takes charge of 10 matches, even if Everton do not officially announce him as manager.

Dyche is still available to back at 13/5 (3.60) and Allardyce is out at 5/1 (6.0), although the Merseysiders’ approach for Silva means they have likely given up on those two as targets.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe can be backed 14/1 (15.0), with Guus Hiddink also priced at 14/1 (15.0) by the bookmaker.

Current Wales manager Chris Coleman, whose future is still up in the air following the Dragons’ failure to qualify for the World Cup, is quoted at 16/1 (17.0) ahead of what could be his last match in charge of the home nation.