By Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey
Manchester City are expecting Bayern Munich to formalize their interest in Kyle Walker with a offer, 90 minutes he understands.
The 33-year-old’s future at the Etihad Stadium has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, following Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Walker out of the starting line-up for the Champions League final, a move believed to have hurt the former Tottenham full-back .
90 minutes revealed in June that Walker, who is in the final 12 months of his City contract, had had initial discussions with Bayern about a move to the Bundesliga, with the Bavarians expected to part ways with Benjamin Pavard this summer having already turned down the loan opportunity Joao Cancelo from City on a permanent contract.
City are not expecting to welcome Cancelo back into the fold, despite his versatility in position, and instead they have moved to offer Walker a new contractin the hope that he will dedicate his future to the club rather than seek a new challenge.
But 90 minutes understands that City have been informed of Walker’s wish to pursue a move to Bayern, with whom he has now agreed terms in principle.
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The seven-time Premier League winners expect Bayern to formalize their interest with an offer, although it is currently unclear how much Thomas Tuchel’s side are willing to offer. Much could hinge on the future of Pavard, who could actually be in the frame to replace Walker in Manchester given his ability to play in central defense as well as right-back.
Bayern’s move could also depend on how much money they are willing to commit to a potential deal for Tottenham striker Harry Kane. Two offers for the England captain have already been rejected by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, even if the dialogue continued between the two clubs as the 2020 Champions League winners try to pull off a seemingly impossible transfer.
As for City, they have long pledged to sell players who no longer want to be at the club – indicating they will sell Walker to Bayern for the right price – and his departure could open up the opportunity for Rico Lewis, who has been awarded a a new long-term contract earlier this year, to play more first-team football.
Their position could be challenged, however, if Bernardo Silva, long linked with Barcelona and PSG, continues to look for a new challenge, while Riyad Mahrez, who has been left out of City’s squad for both the FA Cup final and of Champions League, is courted by Saudi Pro League and may find an offer impossible to refuse.
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In this week’s edition of Talking transferspart of the 90min podcast network, Toby Cudworth AND Graeme Bailey talks Bayern Munich meeting Tottenham over Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson contemplating leaving Liverpool for Saudi Pro League riches, Chelsea’s latest dilemma from Levi Colwill, Aston Villa’s interest in the Bayer Leverkusen Moussa Diaby and more!
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This article was originally posted on 90min.com as Manchester City are expecting a formal offer from Bayern Munich for Kyle Walker.
