Everton boss Marco Silva could have been a Tranmere Rovers star, it has been revealed.

As a young fullback, Silva's first club at senior level was Belenenses.

His second, or so it is claimed by those close to him, was almost Tranmere Rovers.

The Liverpool Echo says Silva had been offered a contract by Tranmere and had been expected to sign before a deal broke down.

The young Portuguese full-back returned to his homeland and would join Lisbon outfit Atletico.

In charge at Prenton Park at the time was John Aldridge.