Theo Walcott's long-term future at Everton is in doubt after being cast aside

The forward has only played 16 minutes since last month's draw with Liverpool

Marco Silva prefers Bernard with Walcott scoring just four times this season

Everton chief Marcel Brands revealed club will sign young players in the summer

Theo Walcott is fighting for his Everton future following a season in which he has become an increasingly peripheral figure.

The former England international has started two of Everton's last six matches but his involvement since a 0-0 draw with Liverpool on March 3 has been limited to 16 minutes across three appearances as substitute.

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Walcott cost Everton £20million when he left Arsenal in January 2018 and was championed by Sam Allardyce, the manager who wanted to sign him. The move, though, has not worked out so far and the 30-year-old has only scored four goals all season.

Theo Walcott is facing an uncertain future at Eveton after starting just two of last six games

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The last time he completed 90 minutes in the Premier League was at Brighton on December 29.

Marcel Brands, Everton's Director of Football, revealed at a seminar in London on Tuesday that the club have lined up their targets for the summer and the Dutchman explained the squad will be going in a different direction with players in the age bracket of 20 to 25.

'We have done a lot of work,' said Brands. 'Let's see what we can do but the positions and the names are ready. I would never bring in a player that the coach (Marco Silva) is not looking for or does not want to work with.'

Walcott hasn't completed 90 minutes in the Premier League since Brighton game in December

WALCOTT STATS (All Competitions) Games: 34 Goals: 4 Assists: 2

Walcott, who is Everton's highest earner on a contract worth £120,000 per week, has lost his place with Silva opting to play the Brazilian pair of Richarlison and Bernard on the flanks and England Under-21 striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.

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He will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of this campaign.

Jordan Pickford, meanwhile, met with Silva and Brands on Wednesday after returning to work for the first time since he was involved in an altercation in Sunderland in the early hours of Monday morning.

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Everton have been investigating the incident and it remains to be seen what action they take.

Everton chief Marcel Brands revealed they will bolster squad with young players this summer