LONDON (AFP) - Watford announced on Sunday that they had sacked manager Marco Silva, blaming an "unwarranted approach" by English Premier League rivals Everton for a downturn in results.

The Portuguese had been a target for the Merseyside club earlier in the campaign after an excellent start to the season but a run of one win in 11 matches has cost him his job.

"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," Watford said in a statement.

Watford, 10th in the table on 26 points after losing 0-2 to Leicester on Saturday, said Everton's approach for Silva had been "the catalyst" for the decision. He was the Merseysiders' first choice to replace Ronald Koeman in November before settling for Sam Allardyce.