Everton have edged nearer to making Theo Walcott their second January signing.
Negotiations with Arsenal are ongoing after Sam Allardyce revealed last week that the Blues were interested in a deal for the England international.
Walcott is understood to be keen on a move to Merseyside after featuring in only 63 Premier League minutes for the Gunners so far this season.
The 28-year-old’s former club Southampton are also in the running but Everton remain firm favourites to clinch his signature in a deal worth £20 million.
Everton are expected to match Walcott’s current £110,000-per-week wage at the Emirates Stadium, where his existing deal is set to expire in 18 months’ time.
Allardyce identified the forward in efforts to add more fire power to his ranks following the £27m capture of Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun earlier this month.
Walcott has scored 108 goals in 397 appearances since joining Arsenal in 2006.