Southampton to re-sign Theo Walcott from Everton – 15 years after he left the club for Arsenal
Southampton to re-sign winger Theo Walcott before the 11pm transfer deadline.
Everton have allowed the 31-year-old move to the south coast on loan for the remainder of the season, having brought in a number of new players in the summer.
Walcott is happy at Goodison Park but has yet to start a Premier League game this season.
The former England star is the Toffees' highest-paid player on around £100,000-a-week and Everton are keen to recoup a large chunk of his salary.
It will be an emotional return for Walcott should he complete the move back to Southampton, almost 15 years after he left for Arsenal.
He came through Saints' academy and became their youngest ever player when he made his debut in August 2005 at the age of 16 years and 143 days.
Arsenal came calling in January 2006 and he spent 12 years at the north London club before joining Everton for £20miliion in January 2018.
Walcott has gone on to make 85 appearances for Everton but he is not part of Carlo Ancelotti's long-term plans having played just 12 minutes of Premier League action this term.
Meanwhile, earlier on deadline day Everton wrapped up a deal for Norwich defender Ben Godfrey for £25m.
The 22-year-old has penned a five-year contract to become Everton’s fourth major signing of the summer.
He follows Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez through the door at Goodison Park.