Eddie Howe 'top choice to replace Marco Silva at Everton'

Everton have reportedly identified Bournemouth head coach Eddie Howe as the leading candidate to replace under-fire boss Marco Silva at Goodison Park.

There were suggestions that the Toffees could sack Silva following last weekend's 2-0 loss at home to Norwich City, but the Portuguese will lead the team into Sunday's clash with Leicester City.

A disappointing start to the season has seen the Merseyside giants pick up just 14 points from their 13 matches, which has left them in 17th spot in the table following Saturday's results.

According to The Mirror, majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright are both ready to relieve Silva of his duties, and Howe is seen as the ideal replacement.

The report claims that Everton will look to tempt the 42-year-old to Goodison Park by offering him a package which will make him one of the top-earning managers in the top flight.

Howe has been in charge of Bournemouth since October 2012, winning 137 of his 330 matches at the helm.