The Premier League has opened an investigation into whether Everton made an illegal approach for manager Marco Silva during his time at Watford, according to The Times.
Everton approached Watford for Silva last season after sacking Ronald Koeman, and were subsequently reported to the Premier League by the Hornets for their conduct in doing so.
Silva was sacked by Watford in January 2018, with the club suggesting that the approach from Everton turned his head, leading to a decline in results.
BBC Sport add that an independent law firm is looking into the claim, but are unlikely to conclude the case until 2019.
Speaking at a news conference on Friday, Everton coach Silva said: "I don't have thoughts on this situation. I don't lose any focus. I'm really calm about the situation. I don't hear or read anything, it's not important for us or for me."
The ongoing dispute between the clubs did not stop Watford selling Richarlison to Everton for a deal worth up to a reported £50 million, a year after Silva brought the Brazil international to Vicarage Road.
Everton director of football Marcel Brands said that the history between the sides meant Richarlison's transfer fee was inflated.
