EVERTON IN SILVA ‘TAPPING UP’ PROBE
EVERTON could be facing a points deduction or a substantial fine over their pursuit of Marco Silva when he was manager of Watford last season. The long-running dispute between the two clubs escalated yesterday with
The Times reporting that an independent inquiry has been launched into Everton’s recruitment of Silva. Watford claimed Everton made an ‘illegal’ approach for Silva and reported them to the Premier League. Silva was subsequently sacked last January with Watford citing Everton’s approach as a ‘catalyst’ for his dismissal. Silva replaced Sam Allardyce as Everton manager at the beginning of June but the saga has rumbled on ever since. Everton were unavailable for comment last night. Meanwhile, Troy Deeney has revealed how new Watford manager Javi Gracia has imposed a new disciplinary system, with fines for lateness of up to £100 per minute. Gracia, appointed when Silva was sacked, has tightened his grip at the start of his first full season in charge. ‘The gaffer took charge of how much the fines are,’ Deeney told the BBC. ‘The fines are very steep this year and no one is messing about. The worst one is £100 a minute for being late. You could be on the M25 and you’re sitting there for 35 minutes and it’s clocking up.’ Watford, with four Premier League wins out of four, face Manchester United at home tomorrow.