Silva turns attention to project Watford

WATFORD will appoint Marco Silva as their new manager after agreeing terms with the Portuguese coach yesterday.

Silva, 39, will sign a two-year contract with Watford, starting from July 1 having activated a clause in his contract to leave Hull City last week.

Silva (pictured), who had been linked with Crystal Palace, said: ‘They showed me the project and I like the ambition. I’m excited.

‘We want to play good football, so that our fans feel well when they come to see our team play.’

Silva will bring with him from Hull assistant head coach Joao Pedro Sousa, first-team coach Goncalo Pedro and goalkeeping coach Hugo Oliveira.

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury said: ‘Marco was one of the most sought after head coaches in the Premier League. His pedigree and promise speaks for itself.’

Watford maintain they aim to keep captain Troy Deeney despite strong interest from West Bromwich Albion.

Having missed out on Silva, Crystal Palace may now turn to Burnley’s Sean Dyche as their new manager although former England boss Roy Hodgson has also been discussed.

Aitor Karanka is expected to take over at Leeds while Nigel Pearson is hoping to replace the Spaniard at Middlesbrough.