Theo Walcott was a target for Reading over the summer transfer window, the Reading Chronicle can exclusively reveal.

After defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday, manager Paul Ince hinted at a big-name incoming before the deadline, stating: "I’d like to get a striker in, I’ve got one in mind but I’m not going to tell you yet- you’ll be quite surprised if I can get him in."

The 33-year-old, raised in nearby Newbury, was a keen target for the Royals as they pushed hard for a move on deadline day.

Best-known for his 12-year association with Premier League giants Arsenal, the forward has been back with his first club Southampton since 2020.

Playing just 34 times for the Saints since his return, sides such as West Brom and Cardiff City were rumoured to be keen on picking up the two-time FA Cup winner.

The Reading Chronicle understand that Walcott, who picked up 47 caps for England between 2006 and 2016, was interested in the option of the Royals.

It is thought that Ince's side were wanting to pick him up as a free agent, as the club has already used all of its allotted loan spaces, but the South-Coast side were not willing to release the former Everton star.

He remains at St Mary's after no deals materialised.

With the free agent market open all year round, it is understood that Reading still hope to bring in an attacker in the coming weeks to bolster the front line.