Everton are facing an investigation into their original move for manager Marco Silva.

Sky Sports says the Premier League has set up an independent inquiry into Everton's recruitment of the former Watford manager Silva.

If found to have broken Premier League rules on 'tapping up' Everton could face a substantial fine or potentially be docked league points.

The lawyers, appointed by the Premier League last week, will be able to request emails, text messages and phone records from Silva and both clubs as they gather evidence.

Watford are understood to have little interest in compensation but feel Everton should be punished for breaking establish codes of conducts between clubs.