Cardiff City interest all set to jolt Theo Walcott loan market into life

A cluster of clubs are expected to make a move for Theo Walcott on Thursday with the Southampton winger reportedly set to leave the south-coast club.

The 33-year-old winger has been frozen out by Ralph Hasenhuttl so far this season. Walcott has yet to kick a ball in the Premier League after a pre-season where he was conspicuous by his absence.

Now The Telegraph report that Cardiff City are interested in a move for the former England man. But news of his availability will likely kickstart a number of clubs to register their interest.

Walcott, who was left at home for Saints’ pre-season tour, has entered the final 12 months of his contract. And Hasenhuttl was strangely vague when he was asked about Walcott in July.

When asked about Walcott and Nathan Redmond’s potential involvement during the final two friendlies, Hasenhuttl said: “Theo, I don’t know. Reddy is just training with us so it is quite likely that he can be in with us.”

That led to talk the duo would be offloaded and The Athletic reported at the start of the window that Saints would be listening to offers for the pair.

Walcott phased out

Had either of the widemen featured in the Carabao Cup, it may have been a sign of a lifeline. But both players did not make the matchday squad against Cambridge United.

It was a side that showed nine changes by Hasenhuttl, but Walcott could not get anywhere near the matchday 20.

Walcott appeared only nine times in the Premier League, including just five starts last season. While he did not appear in the first team after February.

Whether any other Premier League clubs will show an interest in the former Arsenal man remains to be seen. Walcott has a wealth of top-flight experience with close t0 400 appearances. And he would be a good option for a number of clubs in the bottom half of the table.

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