Liverpool
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.
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