Marco Silva refused to rule out attempting to sign Watford players, but dodged questions surrounding the ongoing dispute between the Hornets and Everton during his first Toffees press conference.

The 40-year-old was named Everton boss last Thursday and Watford are still seeking a compensation package from the Goodison Park club for their former boss.

Silva refused to rule out a move to Merseyside when Everton made an approach in November, but insists he acted in an appropriate manner.

“I don’t want to talk about the past. I have great respect for all the clubs I have worked for. I am really happy to talk to you about the present, the future and Everton,” Silva said.

“I worked with very good professionals at Watford but this is a new page in my work. I am looking forward.

“I don’t want to talk about Watford. I know my behaviour, what Watford did and what Everton did. It is not important.”

Silva’s refusal to discuss the ongoing issues between his new club and former employers was to be expected, but he was more expressive on other topics relating to Watford.

The prospect of Silva returning to Vicarage Road to raid his former club for their star assets remains a concern and he admitted doing so is not out of the question.

“It will start in the next few days: names and names and names. But the first thing we will do is analyse what we have at the club. We will be assertive and find the right targets for us,” he said when quizzed on signing Watford players.

One player in particular who may be high on the Portuguese’s radar is Richarlison, who he brought to Watford last summer.

The Brazilian has spoken of the important role Silva played in convincing him to sign for Watford and claimed players not the head coach were to blame for Watford’s failings under his watch.

Silva was asked whether he will target a move for the 21-year-old and once again left the door open to an approach.

“Who?” he joked. “I have a big list of names.

“We have a big squad of players but we will do everything we can to improve and bring more competition.

“That is something I like, but we will analyse our squad and our young players and then look outside.”

Watford and Everton will hold further mitigation talks this month as the Premier League seeks a resolution to the two club’s differences.

The Hornets believe they are due compensation for Silva and were offered £9 million by Everton when they first made what Watford felt to be an illegal approach in November.