Everton's director of football Marcel Brands has said the furore surrounding the pursuit of manager Marco Silva meant they had to pay over the odds to get Watford forward Richarlison last month.
Everton had targeted Silva to replace Ronald Koeman -- then Watford manager -- last November but were refused permission to approach him. Silva was eventually sacked by the Hornets in January and named Everton's new boss in May.
Without naming Everton, Watford criticised the Merseyside club for their interest in Silva, which they believed unsettled the manager and affected a squad that had began the season well and reached fourth in the table.