Manchester City have reportedly opened talks with Kyle Walker over a contract extension in an attempt to fend off interest from Bayern Munich.
The 33-year-old has spent the last six years at the Ethiad Stadium, making 254 appearances in all competitions and winning 14 trophies including five Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Walker made 39 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign in which Pep Guardiola's side became the first English club for nearly a quarter of a century to win the treble.
However, the defender's regular starting place came under threat during the second half of the season, with the likes of John Stones, Manuel Akanji and Rico Lewis all at times preferred on the right side of Guardiola's backline.
Walker was a notable absentee from the starting lineup for City's Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan, although he did start 11 of the club's final 13 matches in all tournaments.
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Nevertheless, it is understood that Walker is open to the prospect of seeking pastures new and joining a club where he is guaranteed regular first-team football ahead of representing England at Euro 2024.
Perennial Bundesliga winners Bayern Munich have recently emerged as a strong contender to sign Walker this summer, and have allegedly made progress in talks with the defender.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel have identified Walker as an ideal replacement for Man City loanee Joao Cancelo, who is set to return to the Etihad after spending the second half of the 2022-23 campaign at the Allianz Arena.
The German giants also have concerns over the long-term futures of defenders Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez who are believed to be looking for a fresh challenge elsewhere, with the latter said to be a target for Paris Saint-Germain.
It is thought that talks regarding a deal for Walker are ongoing between both Bayern and City, which could see the former spend between €20m (£17m) and €30m (£25.5m).
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However, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Citizens are in talks with Walker over a contract extension and remain hopeful that he will commit his future to the club.
City's No.2 is at risk of leaving the Etihad for free when his current deal expires at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.
Walker has also attracted interest from boyhood club Sheffield United, where he began his career and made a total of 35 appearances – most of which during a loan spell in 2009-10 after joining Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent deal.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also said to be interested in signing the 75-cap England international, who is currently with Gareth Southgate's squad ahead of Monday's Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia at Old Trafford.
Oliver Thomas
