Liverpool FC give up on Theo Walcott January deal, but hope to sign him for free next summerby James Pearce, Dec 20 2012
LIVERPOOL FC have given up on trying to sign Theo Walcott in January – but will attempt to lure the Arsenal attacker to Anfield when he's a free agent next summer.
The Reds were prepared to table a bid of £8million for the 23-year-old England international, who has snubbed the Gunners’ offer of a new five-year contract.
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have also shown interest in securing Walcott's services.
However, Liverpool now believe that Walcott will stay put in January and see out the remaining months of his deal at the Emirates.
Arsene Wenger has made it clear that Arsenal won't look to cash in on the player next month and that suits Walcott, who will be able to weigh up a number of lucrative options after his contract has expired in June.
Competition for his signature will be tough with Juventus among a number of top European clubs who have been monitoring his situation.
The Reds' hopes of convincing him to move to Anfield as a free agent are buoyed by the fact that Walcott was a boyhood Liverpool fan. He also has the same agent as boss Brendan Rodgers.
However, Liverpool know that being able to offer Champions League football will also be an important factor in Walcott's decision.
The Reds currently stand seven points adrift of the top four but Rodgers is hoping that a double swoop for Tom Ince and Daniel Sturridge in January will provide the extra firepower needed to close that gap in the second half of the season.
As revealed in Tuesday's ECHO, the Ince deal is close to completion and Liverpool will pay Blackpool around £4million for the winger.
Sturridge is increasingly likely to join him at Anfield. The Reds are happy to meet Chelsea's £12million asking price but they have yet to agree terms with the striker.
Both transfers can't be completed until the transfer window reopens on January 1.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-fc/liverpool-fc-news/2012/12/20/100252-32464525/Why?
'Give up' are two words I never though I'd hear be associated with this club.
At the moment our need is great. His goals and assists records have been improving over the last two seasons and have continued into this one. I imagine his 'chances created' record has been doing likewise.
None of the other clubs, Chelsea, Spurs, both Mancs, need a player in his position(s)
at the moment.
Come the Summer everything changes. Teams reassess their needs. The fact that he will be on a free will tempt some who wouldn't be tempted this January. Chances are those clubs will have CL football to offer. Both Mancs and Chelsea will have large salaries on offer too.
This January
we have the advantage, come the Summer we go to the back of the queue. Why not take the advantage we have and try everything to get him.
He's not the most technical or tactical player in the world (or even the league) but he creates chances and scores goals. That's what we lack. He gives pace. Another thing we lack. I also think that after the excessive hype of his very early career, he's now matured and has reached the stage where he can kick on and his development will become apparent.
We can't attract the Falcao's or Cavanis, but have we now given up on the Walcotts aswell?
