THREE-MATCH BAN AS YOUNG ADMITS VIOLENT CONDUCT
ASHLEY YOUNG has added to Manchester United’s festive misery after being banned for three games. Young accepted a charge of violent conduct after elbowing Dusan Tadic during the 0-0 draw with Southampton.
Referee Craig Pawson missed
ARSENE WENGER may be willing to let Theo Walcott leave Arsenal this month.
Southampton, Everton and West Ham have all inquired about the forward, who is keen to get more first-team games.
Gunners boss Wenger is aware that Walcott is frustrated at a lack of opportunities at the Emirates and might consider a loan option. Saints are keen to take the former England international back to St Mary’s, where he started as a 16-year-old.
Everton are also looking to bring more pace to their squad, while West Ham and Watford are watching developments.
Walcott, 28, has 18 months left on his current £140,000-aweek deal and may consider his options again in the summer, but a loan deal would at least give him a chance to play.
Once an England regular, Walcott has not won a cap for more than a year.
Arsenal, unlikely to do much business in January, expect Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil to stay until the end of the season. They have not given up on re-signing German international Ozil and are still in talks despite interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.
Manchester City want Sanchez on a free transfer next summer but PSG could hijack any deal. The Chile star will wait until the end of the season, when the financial package on offer will be far more lucrative, before deciding his future.
Arsenal are in the market for a centre-half, with West Brom’s Jonny Evans and Mainz defender Abdou Diallo currently on their radar.