Agent rules out Walcott loan switch

Theo Walcott's agent has dismissed talk of the teenage star spending a season on loan at Norwich - or anywhere else.

The 17-year-old is one of a number of Arsenal fringe players interesting Canaries boss Nigel Worthington. But Walcott's agent says neither the player nor the north London club want a loan move.

"I am in regular touch with Arsenal and there has never once been a suggestion of Theo going out on loan," said his agent, Warwick Horton.

"He has learnt an awful lot since joining the club and was delighted Thierry Henry signed a new contract because he loves working with him in training.

"He is looking forward to starting the new season at the new Emirates Stadium and there is no reason why that won't happen."

As revealed in the EDP, Worthington has spoken to Arsenal assistant Pat Rice about the Premiership giants' fringe players, with the possibility of one of them coming to Carrow Road on loan.

Although Worthington was speaking in general terms and not specifically about one player, there is no doubt that taking Walcott on a temporary basis would be a major coup.

The teenager has started just a handful of senior games, but only in the Championship with former club Southampton, and while Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sees him as part of the club's future, that lack of experience makes a loan deal - and not necessarily one for a while season - a realistic possibility.

There are numerous quality young players in Wenger's squad, but should Walcott be available, there would be a queue of clubs fighting for his signature.

Inquiries have reportedly been made by clubs from the Premiership and the Championship, while Walcott's name has been linked with a move to West Brom, as bait in a deal for Arsenal to sign centre-back Curtis Davies.

Wenger sees Davies as the long-term successor to Sol Campbell, who is set to leave Arsenal and while Baggies boss Bryan Robson is reluctant to let the 21-year-old go, an offer of Walcott's services would test their resolve.