Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Marco Silva as Watford eye up Gian Piero Ventura as a possible replacement, according to Tuttosport.
The print edition of the Italian outlet claim that the Hornets are lining up the sacked Italy coach if Silva does end up making his long-touted move to Merseyside.
This is despite previous reports that Everton had ended their approach for Silva, after being threatened with legal action by the Hertfordshire club.
Tuttosport now claim that Watford are braced for a renewal of efforts from Everton after their dismal 5-1 defeat at home to Atalanta in the Europa League.
The experienced Ventura took charge of the Italian national team in 2016, but oversaw a disastrous qualifying campaign that ended in the Azzurri missing out on a World Cup for the first time since 1958.
He is still reportedly admired by Watford’s Italian owners, the Pozzo family, and is now a potential replacement if the Hornets fail to keep hold of Silva.
OPINION
This is a big twist in Everton’s shambolic manager search, but the first one in ages that might actually be positive for Toffees fans. For weeks now all we have heard is manager after manager ruling themselves out, or in Silva’s case his club doing so. If Watford are really looking around for possible replacements, then it may offer Everton a glimpse of hope in their seemingly doomed pursuit of the highly-rated Portuguese. Watford fans on the other hand will not be sure what to think. To lose Silva would be disastrous after their positive start this year, and then to bring in a manager who has overseen a footballing disaster for his country? They will surely be hoping that this report is a bogus one.