Premier League club Everton may allow winger Theo Walcott to leave the club as a free agent when the summer comes, according to several reports. Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti deemed Walcott surplus to requirements at Goodison Park and decided to loan out the former Arsenal star to League rivals Southampton and the winger has had a resurgent season at the St Mary’s since then.

Walcott’s current Everton contract is set to expire at the end of the season and from all indications, it’s not looking like he will be offered a contract extension, meaning that he will be a free agent in the summer and will be free to discuss contract negotiations with clubs that eventually register interest in signing him.

He has been a brilliant signing for Ralph Hasenhütl’s Saints side and the Southampton manager recently revealed that he would love the former W gland international attacker to remain at the club even after the expiration of his loan contract.

In the Saints’ recent Premier League clash against Burnley, Walcott was instrumental as he registered an assist which saw them complete a 3-2 comeback win against their rivals. Walcott’s performance in that match further explained how important he is to the team and even the manager admitted that he is a key member of the squad.

The winger only recently returned from a long injury lay-off and Hasenhütl admitted that he was missed in his absence. The Southampton manager also confirmed that the club have started talks with the player and his agent in a bid to come to an agreement about a contract renewal as they are very much serious about the idea of having him remain at the St Mary’s stadium for at least another season.