Southampton look set to offer Theo Walcott a two-year-deal this summer when his Everton contract ends.
The 32-year-old has spent the season on loan with the Saints and impressed manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Walcott's time at Everton officially comes to an end in June after four-and-a-half-years with the Blues and he will be a free agent this summer. But Southampton are ready to offer the forward a deal with Hasenhuttl suggesting a two-year contract could be put on the table.
"I think in the games he played he showed he was an important part of our game - especially his work load and his effort was important," he said.
"He's a very professional guy and, as I always said, I was happy he was coming here and I still think he is a player that can help us in the next two years.
"If he's not always playing from the beginning, then he's still such a good character that he supports the team whenever he needs to.
"I think this is, for me, also a very important part for giving him a new contract or not."
Everton signed Walcott from Arsenal in January 2018 for £20m.
The former England international will leave Goodison having made 85 appearances and having scored 11 goals.
