Man City make MAJOR transfer U-turn – Romano

Tom Hancock
Tom Hancock
  • 19 Jun 2023 07:32 CDT
  • 3 min read
Fabrizio Romano and the Manchester City badge, set against a light blue background
© ProShots

Kyle Walker could still sign a new contract with Manchester City, amid interest from Bayern Munich.

The lightning-quick England right-back, 33, is said to be a target for the Bundesliga giants – and, with his current deal expiring at the end of next season, this summer could be City’s last chance to cash in.

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But it seems as though the Premier League champions would prefer to keep hold of Walker – who joined from Tottenham back in 2017 and has been a key member of all five of Pep Guardiola’s title-winning City sides.

MORE: Five Man City players who could leave this summer

According to Fabrizio Romano, City are in talks with Walker with a view to extending his stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Romano adds that Bayern are still keen on Walker – who made 39 appearances in all competitions in 2022/23 as City became just the second English club to do the treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

Only one City defender – Manuel Akanji – made more league starts than Walker during the campaign just gone, but Guardiola’s change of system to accommodate John Stones in midfield has altered the make-up of his defence, which has gone from a back three to a back four – and that’s been bad news for Walker.

Speaking about the situation back in April, Guardiola said: “He [Walker] cannot do it. He will always have pace: Kyle at 60 years old will be the fastest player in this room. To play inside, you have to have educated movements; he doesn’t have every one of the characteristics.”

MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers | All the Done Deals

Walker has made 254 appearances for Manchester City
© ProShots - Walker has made 254 appearances for Manchester City

Too late for City?

Indeed, Walker started City’s Champions League final victory over Inter Milan earlier this month on the bench – which only served to intensify speculation surrounding his future.

Indeed, a report on Sunday from Sky Sport in Germany claims that Bayern are already in ‘advanced negotiations’ to sign the defender.

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