CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe has become “Everton's top choice to replace Marco Silva” according to a report in the Mirror.

The publication claims plans have been “scrapped” to bring David Moyes back to Goodison Park with 42-year-old Howe now the Merseysiders’ “number one target”.

The Mirror also reports majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright are armed with “a lucrative personal package” for the Cherries boss.

Asked about dealing with speculation on his future before Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Tottenham, Howe said: “I shelter myself away from any kind of news that doesn’t influence the team I’m preparing to play.

“I always say if I’m linked, or my players are linked with other clubs then that has to be flattering, it has to be viewed as a good thing.

“But I spend no time focusing on those things.”

Manager Howe has taken Cherries from League Two to the Premier League throughout two separate spells at the club.

He is the longest serving manager in the Premier League – only Wycombe’s Gareth Ainsworth has been in charge longer than Howe across England’s top four divisions.

Despite information and reports elsewhere, the Daily Echo understands Howe is under a 'long-term' contract which does not expire in the summer of 2020.