It seems likely that neighbours Wigan could win the race for his signature but Everton sources claim it will take more than a £10million bid to achieve that.

Everton have consistently said they do not want to sell the player, and Johnson has previously echoed those feelings, when the England international has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park in the last two transfer windows.

And it is believed that for any move to go through, Johnson will have to say he wants to leave, with Moyes only last week publicly stating the player was not for sale.

Johnson, 27, did not have the best of seasons last term with just six goals in 29 Premier League appearances, and it seems now that he could be sacrificed in a clear chase for cash.

Previously when Johnson has been linked with moves away from Everton, a desire to return to London has been a reason touted.

But it is believed that Johnson and his family are now settled in the north-west, which gives Wigan boss Steve Bruce the edge in the race for his signature.

Johnson is currently in Switzerland at Everton's training camp, so it is unlikely any move would be finalised before the squad return next week.

Everton are now being linked with moves for Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher - who has just a year left on his Old Trafford contract - while Real Zaragoza frontman Diego Milito is also believed to be on Moyes' wanted list.

Moyes has been searching for a holding player to replace Lee Carsley, and Fletcher, who has made 172 appearances for United, fits the bill.

A decision to let Johnson leave would be made easier following the emergence of youngsters James Vaughan and Victor Anichebe, while Tim Cahill's return to fitness will provide Moyes with the link player to play just behind Aiyegbeni Yakubu again.

Cahill has been one of several players to be left behind at the club's Finch Farm training complex to continue rehabilitation after injury.

The Australian, who has yet to start running again after a foot operation, said: "I am not going to put any dates or times on my return.

"I am just looking to get fit. I'm taking no chances, if it takes another couple of weeks longer, then that is what it is going to take."