Sam Allardyce claims Theo Walcott would be a “great addition” to Everton because he would bring pace and goals to their attack.
Everton are fighting Southampton to land Walcott from Arsenal for £20million and Allardyce is excited by the qualities he would bring to the Blues.
He feels the England winger is at the perfect age at 28 and would add much-needed goals and creativity to Everton’s attack.
“You’re all aware of our interest in Theo and if that’s possible to get over the line, I’d be delighted,” said the Blues boss.
“Negotiations are happening at the moment and if that can be all sorted out, which is one of the most difficult things to do today, then that would be a great addition in my opinion to come and join us.
“For two or three reasons really - goalscoring threat, pace, experience and he’s good on assists from wide areas in terms of his crossing abilities.
“If it’s at all possible, that would be very nice. It's not imminent at the moment, but some negotiations are going on.
“It would be permanent deal. I don’t think there’s any chance of a loan.”
Allardyce refuses to see Walcott as a done deal and says too many things can go wrong at this stage of the negotiations.
“I don’t get optimistic otherwise I get disappointed,” he said. “I’ll wait and see. I’ll be very excited and enthused when someone else signs on the dotted line.”