Sam Allardyce has revealed he would be delighted if Everton managed to sign Theo Walcott from Arsenal this month.
Everton are in advanced talks with Arsenal about signing Walcott on a permanent deal worth a reported £20m.
Arsene Wenger does not want Walcott to leave but will not stand in the way of the player’s desire to make England’s 2018 World Cup squad.
West Ham are also interested in signing the 28-year-old but Allardyce is hopeful of beating his former club.
“I think you are all aware of our interest in Theo,” Sky Sports quote Allardyce as saying.
“If that is possible to get over the line, I would be delighted but obviously there is negotiations that are happening at the moment.
“If that can all be sorted out, which is one of the most difficult things to do then that would be a great addition in my opinion to come and join us from an attacking point of view.
“If that is at all possible it would be very nice, but it is not imminent at the moment but some negotiations are going.
“It is permanent we are hoping to negotiate. I don’t think there is any chance of a loan.”
Theo Walcott is the fifth highest rated player to have featured more than three times in the Europa League this season (7.97), scoring three goals and registering two assists.
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 12, 2018
Would he be a good signing for Everton? pic.twitter.com/WisWw9i4kQ
Walcott has only managed 50 minutes of Premier League action this season, but has performed well when given the chance to play in the Europa League.
In fact, only four players have secured a higher WhoScored rating in the Europa League than Walcott (7.97)
