Sources: Everton tell Walcott he is free to go as Ancelotti eyes 'world class' attacker
Carlo Ancelotti has given the green light for Theo Walcott to quit Everton for good this summer, Football Insider has learned.
The forward, 32, has had a fine season on loan at Southampton and manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has spoken warmly about his contribution.
But he is out of contract at Everton next month and a club source has told Football Insider they are not looking to extend it.
The former England international will be told he is free to find a new club and head out of Goodison after three-and-a-half years.
This site revealed on Monday (10th May) that one of Everton's transfer priorities this summer is to recruit a top-class right winger.
2020 headline signing James Rodriguez has been used in central roles of late, while Ancelotti has often used his full-backs as wing-backs to provide the width in his team.
Walcott has been a regular starter for Southampton since agreeing a loan move last October.
He had begun the season at Everton on the bench before heading back to the south coast, where he started his career as an extremely precocious 16-year-old.
The wide forward has started 19 Premier League matches among 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing three assists.
He missed two months of the campaign with a hamstring injury but has tended to be in the starting XI when available for selection.
Hasenhuttl has suggested Southampton could try to secure Walcott on a permanent deal.