There’s a few surprised looks around the pool table as punters gather round an article in the Daily Mail claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson is lining up a shock bid for Arsenal contract rebel Theo Walcott.

The Manchester United manager is keen to land the England winger in a deal similar to that of Robin van Persie who made the controversial move to Old Trafford back in August.

Understandably the 23-year-old, who joined the Gunners back in 2006 for £12 million, favours a move to the Premier League leaders as he craves trophies after a disappointing time at Arsenal.

He is currently in a contract dispute with Arsene Wenger and has rejected a five-year deal worth £75,000-per-week, feeling that he deserves a contract closer to £100,000-a-week.  If the contract impasse continues then the former Southampton man will have the opportunity to leave on a Bosman in the summer.

Arsenal are expected to sell Walcott for as little as £8 million in the January transfer window if they cannot agree a new contract by the end of 2012 and United have now become the frontrunners to secure his services on the cheap.

A whole host of Premier League teams are said to be interested in signing the electrifying wide man but the Red Devils are reported to be his ideal choice as he looks to rediscover the breakthrough form that he demonstrated a few years ago.

Would Walcott be another shrewd capture by Fergie? Vote in our polls below.