Everton are prepared to pay Jack Wilshere a staggering £8 million signing-on fee to move to Goodison Park this summer. The Arsenal midfield player is available on a free transfer at the end of the season as he has yet to agree a new contract at the Emirates Stadium, and Everton are making an aggressive play for his signature. Wilshere’s preference is to stay at Arsenal despite the prospect of earning far more money elsewhere, but the two parties are not close to an agreement. Arsenal’s opening contract offer to Wilshere involved him accepting a cut in his basic wages to £80,000 a week, although he would have the chance to increase it significantly through bonus and appearance payments.

Wilshere will be available on a free transfer if he fails to agree a new deal with Arsenal before the end of the season BEN STANSALL/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Wolves divide top flight

Premier League