Southampton are aiming to sign permanently Theo Walcott this summer.
The 47-cap England star, now 32, will be a free agent when his Everton contract expires in June.
Walcott has impressed since arriving from Goodison Park in January.
The flying winger set up Nathan Redmond's winner against Burnley on Sunday.
Saints are generally hunting younger reinforcements as they plan for the future. But club bosses are willing to make an exception for loanee Walcott, says The Sun.