Theo Walcott closing in on £20m move to Everton as Sam Allardyce confirms interest

EVERTON boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed he wants to sign Arsenal forward Theo Walcott.

Allardyce has already landed Turkish striker Cenk Tosun and is keen to add Walcott to pep up his attack in the second half of the season.

Allardyce said: "You are all aware of our interest in Theo.

"Be delighted to get it over the line. Negotiations ongoing. Would be great addition.”

Walcott will be allowed to leave the Emirates as long as Olivier Giroud and Danny Welbeck prove their fitness.

French striker Giroud has been out with a hamstring injury and Welbeck, who started against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, has just returned to full fitness.

 If they get the all clear, Walcott will be allowed to leave the Emirates 12 years after joining from Southampton, claim BBC Sport.

The Toffees and his former club Saints have both held talks with the Gunners about the England international, who is open to leaving this month. The 28-year-old forward has not started a Premier League game for the Gunners since last April and looks to have no future in North London.

Walcott's contract runs until 2019 and the Gunners will not consider a loan move, while the attacker is not prepared to move abroad despite reported interest from AC Milan. Southampton may struggle to tempt their old boy back to St Mary’s as they battle to beat the drop under current boss Mauricio Pellegrino.

Walcott joined Arsenal in January 2006 for £12.5m and has scored 108 goals in 396 appearances.

From The Sun