Southampton’s forgotten man Theo Walcott ‘could seal shock deadline day move to Cardiff’

Theo Walcott could reportedly secure a shock deadline day switch to Championship club Cardiff City. 

The 33-year-old is yet to make an appearance for Southampton this season and has not even made the matchday squad for three of their five Premier League fixtures. 

After starting just five league matches last term, Walcott missed the whole of pre-season through injury. 

But according to The Daily Telegraph, Cardiff have showed ‘initial interest’ in signing the forward and ‘other clubs’ are also expected to make a move for him. 

Walcott’s return to Southampton, where he became one of England’s hottest prospects as a teenager, has failed to reignite his floundering career. 

After his 12-year spell at Arsenal came to an end in 2018, he spent three underwhelming seasons at Everton before making the move back to the Saints, initially on loan.  

Walcott has made 35 appearances in his second spell at St. Mary’s, but has scored just three goals and gradually been phased out by Ralph Hasenhuttl. His contract expires next summer. 

Walcott’s return to St. Mary’s, where he made his name, has failed to reignite his career

Steve Morison’s Cardiff are currently 17th in the Championship table after the opening month

Earlier this summer, The Sun reported that the 33-year-old was considering a move to MLS – with Los Angeles and New York among his preferred destinations.

Walcott became England’s youngest ever player when he made his senior national team debut at the age of 17 years and 75 days in May 2006, but he has not added to his 47 caps since Gareth Southgate’s spell as interim manager in late 2016. 

Cardiff came close to agreeing a stunning deal for Gareth Bale earlier this summer before he chose to move to Los Angeles FC, but now the Bluebirds are after another big-name signing. 

Steve Morison’s side are currently 17th in the Championship table after the first seven fixtures of the season.