EVERTON are reportedly in pole position to sign Jack Wilshere if he fails to sign a new Arsenal contract.
The Gunners midfielder has been offered an extension at the Emirates but on reduced wages.
Talks continue to go on between the 26-year-old and Emirates chiefs in the hope of thrashing out an agreement.
But the Daily Star claims Everton are showing the strongest interest in snapping up the star if he becomes a free agent.
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The report also states that Wilshere is worried his latest injury setback has not helped his bargaining power as he plots his future.
He hurt his knee while training with the England last week.
And those inflamed tendons caused him to pull out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for friendly matches against Holland and Italy.
Both the Three Lions chief and Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger have said the issue is not serious, but the blow will have been noted by those plotting a swoop for the injury-plagued ace.
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Wilshere wants to stay in North London but is not happy with the fresh terms offered to him.
Gunners officials are believed to have put together a deal that is based hugely on incentives.
And that is heavily linked to appearance payments due to his record of injuries.
Wilshere spent last season on-loan with Bournemouth but has battled back to become a key member of Wenger’s starting XI this term.
He has overcome his latest knock and will be available for the visit of Stoke on Sunday, where he will be hoping to make his 29th appearance of the campaign.