Theo Walcott on Everton’s released list with Josh King, Yannick Bolasie and Mo Besic also leaving

Former England international Theo Walcott is among a group of four senior players to be released by Everton when their contracts expire at the end of the month.

The Toffees have announced the 32-year-old forward, who arrived in a £20million switch from Arsenal in January 2018 and made 23 appearances for his first club Southampton on loan last season, is to leave Goodison Park.

He will be joined by Norway international Josh King, who signed a short-term deal in January, as well as Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic, while on-loan goalkeeper Robin Olsen will return to his parent club Roma.

Everton have confirmed winger Theo Walcott is one of four senior players to leave this summer

Walcott, who spent last season at Southampton, will be released at the expiry of his contract

A statement said: ‘Everton can confirm Joshua King, Theo Walcott, Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic will leave when their current contracts expire at the end of the month, while on-loan goalkeeper Robin Olsen will return to his parent club Roma.

‘Everton wishes to thank all departing players for their contribution throughout their time at the club.’

In all, Walcott made 85 appearances for the club and scored 11 goals, while King came off the bench on 11 occasions, but did not manage to score.

The £25million signing Yannick Bolasie will also depart, alongside Josh King and Mo Besic

Norwegian striker King joined on a short-term deal in January but failed to score a single goal

They join former boss Carlo Ancelotti out the exit door; the Italian has moved to Real Madrid

Bolasie, a £25million signing from Crystal Palace in August 2016, had a series of loan spells away from Merseyside after struggling to force his way into the team due to several injuries, with Championship side Middlesbrough his most recent destination.

Bosnia and Herzegovina international Besic had two spells on Teesside and spent the 2019-20 season on loan at Sheffield United.

Matthew Pennington, Callum Connolly, Dennis Adeniran, Josh Bowler, Bobby Carroll and Con Ouzounidis will be released from the under-23 squad, while Daniel Lowey, Jack McIntyre and Dylan Thompson will leave the under-18 side.