Liverpool FC Forum

[wrighty (not mark!)]

Arsenal and Liverpool's interest in Southampton starlet Theo Walcott has been confirmed.

The two Premiership giants are reported to be heading the chase for the 16-year-old, while Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be interested.

Right winger Walcott, who made the breakthrough into the Saints' first team this season, is already being heralded as one of the most talented players for his age anywhere in Europe.

Now the England youth international's agent, Warwick Horton, has confirmed that both Arsenal and Liverpool have expressed an interest in Walcott.

"There is truth in the story that Arsenal and Liverpool are very keen on Theo," revealed Horton.

"But for the moment he is a 16-year-old lad who's quite happy at Southampton.

"He's had seven first team opportunities coming off the bench this season which is more than he would have thought at this stage."

"He would probably not have had as many if the club was still in The Premiership, so in the short-term playing for Southampton is not a problem to him."

Horton admitted that the lure of The Premiership is a huge one for his young charge.

"He's an ambitious lad and wants to play in The Premiership and at some point that will be with Southampton or someone else," he told the Southampton Daily Echo.

"If the club are promoted he would be delighted to play for them next year and hopefully that will be the case.

"But if one of the big clubs was to come in with a substantial amount of money and Southampton decide to let him go he would be very flattered to speak to clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool."

[JC_81]

I mentioned this guy a while ago, he looks a fantastic player for his age.  Watched him a few times for Southampton this season when he's come off the bench.

Still a bit of a rough diamond but looks to have superb pace and touch, definitely one for the future and we should definitely sign him if we have the chance.

[stmichael]

One of the Sunday papers a couple of weeks ago said that Southampton had slapped down an £8million price tag for him.

However it doesn't really matter who is interested in the lad because of Chelsea and vast amounts of money means that they can once again out-price any other team that is interested in him. 

[Ace Ventura]

One of the Sunday papers a couple of weeks ago said that Southampton had slapped down an £8million price tag for him.

However it doesn't really matter who is interested in the lad because of Chelsea and vast amounts of money means that they can once again out-price any other team that is interested in him. 

If he plays on the right wing then if the lad has any common sense he would not go to Chelsea, with Duff Robben SWP and Joe Cole he would never get even the slight chance of a first team oppurtunity.

[Scottbot]

I live about 15 miles from miles from Southampton and they are raving about this kid down here. Most seem to think this lad is the real deal. I would expect him to stay at the club a couple more years yet. As for Chelsea, they can only stockpile so much talent and i'd say they are approaching their limit. Depsite the money on offer. Players want to play.

[The Magician]

Good to see Rafa trying to bring some English talent to the club

[mighty mo]

we have to sign him,wing play at anfield has been missing for a long time and he could be good acquisition for the future

[metalhead]

i agree ace ventura... he won't play alot in Chelsea and would be really a waste of talent, he would be stupid enough to join chelsea. i think he needs to come to us