The manager has overseen just two wins in Watford’s last 12 games.

He was approached by Everton over the possibility of taking over at Goodison Park before Sam Allardyce was appointed Toffees boss.

And Watford have issued a statement insisting Everton’s interest impacted on their manager.

The statement read: “Watford Football Club has parted company with Marco Silva.

“This has been a difficult decision and one not taken lightly.

"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.

“For the security and success of the football club, the Board believes it has to make a change. 

“The Club will seek to make a swift appointment and there will be no further comment until that appointment has been made.”

Silva leaves the club 10th in the Premier League.

His last game was a 2-0 defeat to Leicester on Saturday.