FOOTBALL SHORTS

THEO WALCOTT is fighting for his Everton future after becoming an increasingly peripheral figure. The former England international, 30, has started two of Everton’s last six matches but since a 0-0 draw with Liverpool on March 3 he has been limited to 16 minutes in three appearances as a substitute. Walcott, who cost £20million when he signed from Arsenal in January 2018, has scored four goals this season.

PELE was taken to hospital in Paris as a precaution on Tuesday night after suffering a high fever. The three-time Brazilian World Cup winner, 78, was taken ill after attending a function with France international Kylian Mbappe.

÷ NEWCASTLE UNITED are reluctant to pay over £12m to make Salomon Rondon’s move from West Brom permanent. The Venezuela international has scored 10 goals this season and has a buy-out clause of £16.5m.

LEAGUE ONE Rochdale have appointed Brian Barry-Murphy, 40, as their new manager on a two-year contract.