Everton face a possible points deduction for an illegal approach up their manager Marko Silva.

An independent inquiry has been launched by the Premier League into Everton’s hiring Marco Silva as their manager which could result in a heavy fine and in the worst case scenario a points deduction.

The investigation will centre on an alleged “tapping-up” of Marko Silva while he was the head coach of Watford.

The inquiry may require leading figures at Everton, including owner Farhad Moshiri and board members, to hand over phone records to an independent QC who was appointed last week to ascertain the extent of the club’s contact with Silva at that time.

Watford are adamant that they want the inquiry to punish Everton and believe the interest in Silva derailed their season and led to them fighting a battle against relegation. Silva was eventually sacked by Watford in January after a deterioration of their results, with one win in 11 matches, with the club saying Everton’s “illegal” approach had been a “catalyst for this decision”.