Manchester City are expecting Bayern Munich to formalise their interest in Kyle Walker with an offer.
The 33-year-old’s future at the Etihad Stadium has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, stemming from Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Walker out of the starting line-up for the Champions League final – a move understood to have hurt the former Tottenham full-back.
Walker, who is in the final 12 months of his City contract, had held initial talks with Bayern over a move to the Bundesliga, with the Bavarians expected to part ways with Benjamin Pavard this summer but have already rejected the opportunity. to make Joao Cancelo’s loan from City a permanent deal.
City do not expect to welcome Cancelo back into the squad, despite his positional versatility, and have instead opted to offer Walker a new contract in the hope that he will commit his future to the club and not seek a new challenge.
City have been informed of Walker’s desire to pursue a move to Bayern, with whom he has now agreed terms in principle.
The seven-time Premier League winners expect Bayern to formalize their interest with a bid, although it is unclear at this stage how much Thomas Tuchel’s side are prepared to offer. Much could depend on the future of Pavard, who may actually be in the squad to replace Walker in Manchester given his ability to play in central defense as well as at right-back.
Bayern’s move may also depend on how much money they are willing to invest in a potential deal for Tottenham striker Harry Kane. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has already rejected two bids for the England captain, although dialogue between the two clubs has continued as the 2020 Champions League winners look to make a seemingly impossible move.
As for City, they have long been committed to selling players who no longer want to be at the club – suggesting they will sell Walker to Bayern at the right price – and his departure could open up an opportunity for Rico Lewis, who was rewarded with a new long-term deal earlier this year , so you can play more first team football.
Their stance may be challenged if Bernardo Silva, long linked with Barcelona and PSG, continues to seek a new challenge, while Riyad Mahrez, who was left out of City’s side for both the FA Cup and Champions League finals, is being courted. by the Saudi Pro League and it may be that the offer cannot be refused.
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