Sacked Italy coach Giampiero Ventura is being linked with Watford.

Tuttosport says Ventura is seen as a replacement for Marco Silva if he joins Everton.

Watford have stood firm refusing the Toffees advances for their Portuguese coach, who only arrived in the summer from relegated Hull City.

But despite their tough stance, Watford are sounding out possible replacements and Ventura is on the list of possible candidates.

The 68-year-old coach is out of work after being sacked by Italy for failing to lead them to next summer's World Cup.

But his humiliation with the Azzurri has not put off the Pozzo family, who hired Ventura to manage Udinese for a year in 2001.

Meanwhile, Silva is delighted with the form of Heurelho Gomes.

"Gomes was brilliant against West Ham," Silva said.

"Of course, I'd be happier if he wasn't making saves because it would be a good sign for us but he did very well in an important moment just before half-time. He kept us ahead, he was brilliant.

"We pay attention to him, he's a very good professional and deserves the support I can give him, and that I give all my staff as well.

"Now, Gomes is fantastic and everyone talks about him, but in football everything changes and my players know I need to take decisions, but that they have my support too."