Rather than let speculation continue to percolate, Sam Allardyce has simply gone and outright confirmed that Everton are hoping to sign Theo Walcott from Arsenal this month.
The Toffees are reportedly in talks over a £20million permanent switch for Walcott, who has yet to start a Premier League game so far this season.
Discussing the matter during his weekly press conference, Allardyce declared his interest in the 28-year-old winger but stopped short of establishing whether or not a bid has been submitted.
Allardyce confirms interest in a permanent deal for Theo Walcott.https://t.co/e0fD3TUrCd
— Everton (@Everton) January 12, 2018
Allardyce told the room:
You’re all aware of our interest in Theo. It would be very nice if we could get it over the line but there is nothing imminent.
It would be a permanent deal. We wait and see.
If we can get that all sorted out then that would be a great addition to join us from an attacking point of view.
Two to three reasons [that Everton are interested]: goalscoring threat, pace, experience and he’s good on assists from wide in terms of his crossing.
So, if that’s at all possible, that would be very nice. It’s not imminent, but negotiations are going on.
In short, it’s the move Walcott should have made two or three years ago. As pressing concerns go, do Everton even really need another vastly expensive (Theo’s wages are being mooted in the £100,000-a-week bracket) forward?
After all, Ademola Lookman is *right there* and he looks fairly bloody decent on the rare occasions he actually gets a run-out.