The Reading Chronicle broke the news yesterday that former England and Arsenal star Theo Walcott was a top target for the Royals in the final days of the summer transfer window.
With Southampton unwilling to let him out of his current contract, the deal could not be done and he remains on the South-Coast.
But what would he have brought to Reading?
READ MORE: Arsenal and Southampton star a target for Reading FC over summer
Experience
In the window, Ince brought in Dean Bouzanis (31), Naby Sarr (29), Baba Rahman (28), Sam Hutchinson (33), Jeff Hendrick (30), Tom Ince (30) and Shane Long (35); with only Tyrese Fornah (22), Mamadou Loum (25) and Nesta Guinness-Walker (22) players you would class as 'young'.
Walcott at 34 would be the second oldest brought in, behind Saints teammate Long, but that is not to say he would be used sparingly.
Only Wigan Athletic have fielded an older average age side this season, with six starting sides all higher than anyone else, but behind them are the Royals.
Two starting teams have had an average age of 29 or more, almost six years older than Blackpool who have fielded teams with averages of 23.
With more than 350 Premier League appearances to his name and almost half a century of caps for England, there is now doubt he would have brought a lot of pedigree and know-how to the side.
Fluidity
Since the departure of George Puscas, Long and Lucas Joao remain the only first team forwards in the league, with youngsters Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Jahmari Clarke offering youthful exuberance when called upon.
Yakou Meite and Ince both provide options up top, with Ince having filled in at virtually every position between midfield and attack so far this season.
Although making his name as a speedy teenage winger, the aim for Walcott was to always play as a striker, and he certainly had periods where he was lethal.
108 goals for the Gunners in 397 appearances doesn't set the world alight, but 140 goal contributions in 377 Premier League matches is no mean feat.
A 21-goal haul in 2012/13 and another 19 in 2016/17, he has proved he is capable and for Ince to have been able to play him anywhere across the top, similar to the likes of his son and Meite, would have caused him all sorts of good selection headaches.
Hungry stars with a point to prove
Seemingly with the world against them, be it injuries, transfer embargoes or refereeing decisions, there is not denying that it appears Reading will have to go that little bit further to ensure they’re playing Championship football next season.
Fast out of the traps, the Royals sit in the top six after eight matches, winning all of their home matches in the process. Ince Jr has already spoken on television of wanting to ‘prove people wrong’ and his father constantly discusses the siege mentality he is trying to create in the dressing room. Adding Walcott to the mix can’t have harmed. Despite being 34, there is no doubt he still has much to give.
Reportedly keen on an exit from St Mary’s to play more football, he played just nine times last season and is yet to have a run out this campaign. A hungry player desperate to play football is exactly the kind of attitude Ince is trying to forge this season, and one which has been successful of late. Adding the quality, experience and drive of a Walcott had the potential to be a match winner.
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