Liverpool in hunt for 'new Walcott'

Arsenal and Liverpool are weighing up bids for Southampton teenager Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – but have been told it will take “Theo Walcott money” to get him.

Goal.com UK understands that the Barclays Premier League big-hitters are seriously considering an offer for the England Under-18 attacking midfielder, who is the son of former England international Mark Chamberlain.

But Southampton are ready to dig in their heels and demand a £10 million fee for a player who club insiders rate as better than Walcott at the same age.

Oxlade-Chamberlain became the second youngest debutant - behind Walcott - in the League One club's history in March when he made his first Southampton appearance aged 16 years and 199 days. He has established himself as a first-team regular this season, starting 13 of his 21 games and scoring five goals.

He is being used by Southampton on the flanks but the coaching staff believe his pace, strength, touch, awareness and eye for goal mean he will eventually mature in to a central midfielder or a forward who plays just behind the main central striker.

"A lot of the big clubs are watching Alex but it will take serious money to get him," a Southampton source told Goal.com UK. "The coaching staff rate him higher than Walcott at the same age and the club have sorted out their financial issues so are not under any great pressure to sell him for a knockdown fee. It will take Walcott money to get him."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.