Everton reportedly remain in talks with Marco Silva and intend to announce their top managerial target as Sam Allardyce's successor next week.

The Toffees immediately targeted the Portuguese after parting company with Allardyce on May 16, having previously missed out on his signature in November.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the delay in appointing free agent Silva is down to Marcel Brands's arrival last week, as the Merseysiders wanted their new director of football to run the rule over the other candidates, despite not officially starting in the role until June 1.

Everton are understood to be at an advanced stage in talks with Silva, though, and an announcement could be made as early as Monday.

The 40-year-old has previously managed in the Premier League with Hull City and Watford, leaving the latter in January following a slump in results after Everton had made an alleged illegal approach for him.