Everton manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Everton are in talks over signing Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott.
The Daily Mirror have reported that the Toffees are prepared to launch a £20million bid to sign the Premier League ace during the January transfer window.
It is understood that the Merseyside club are prepared to match his current £140,000-a-week wage to beat off interest from Southampton.
Allardyce has revealed in his pre-match press conference before facing Tottenham that Everton are trying to wrap up a deal for Walcott, as cited by the Liverpool Echo.
He has explained that it’s unlikely Walcott will move on a loan deal and a permanent switch is probable.
“Some negotiations are going on. [The deal] is permanet, I don’t think there’s any chance of a loan.
“We’ll wait and see. I’ll be very excited and enthused- if it’s not Theo- if somebody has signed on the dotted line.
“You don’t get optimistic because so many things can happen in such a short space of time. You never get excited until someone has signed on the dotted line.”
OPINION
Everton appear to be in serious pursuit of Walcott after confirmation from Allardyce and a move to Goodison Park could be on the cards. The 28-year-old has been a brilliant player during his time at Arsenal and that now seems to be coming to an end. The Englishman is a versatile attacker that can play anywhere across the frontline and should help solve Everton’s current issue of scoring goals. He is certainly an underrated goalscorer and has managed 108 during 398 senior appearances for the Gunners. The Toffees have already seriously strengthened their attacking options in January by the signing of Cenk Tosun from Besiktas and adding a proven Premier League performer in Walcott will represent another smart deal for them.