Everton have reportedly made enquiries about signing Theo Walcott from Arsenal in January.

The 28-year-old has been continually linked with leaving the Emirates over the last few years, with a report earlier today suggesting that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has sanctioned his sale next month in order to raise transfer funds.

West Ham United and Southampton were identified as early potential suitors for the attacker but according to the Daily Mail, the Toffees have become the new frontrunners.

New Everton manager Sam Allardyce is said to be keen to find "a solution to the lack of pace he inherited in the sluggish side" and thinks that Walcott, whom he played in his only game in charge of England, is an ideal candidate.

Walcott has been used just three times in the Premier League this season - all of them as a substitute - as well as six times in the Europa League and EFL Cup.

The Southampton youth graduate moved to the Emirates in 2006 and has 18 months left on his current contract, which sees him earn around £110,000 a week.