Manchester City and Bayern Munich have discussed the potential transfer of Kyle Walker this summer, but no agreement has been reached.
That’s according to The Athletic’s City correspondent Sam Lee, who has reported that the two clubs met during their pre-season tours in Japan.
An uncertain final month of the transfer window awaits City, with 33-year-old Walker just one of several players who could depart the club.
City are desperate to keep hold of Bernardo Silva – despite interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain – but are looking to sell Joao Cancelo and Aymeric Laporte.
The treble winners were also open to selling Kalvin Phillips just 12 months after he joined the club, but the midfielder insisted he wants to stay and prove himself after a disappointing debut season.
Pep Guardiola did not want to lose Ilkay Gundogan, with City offering the midfielder a new two-year contract. However, the club captain decided to join Barcelona as a free agent.
Walker discussions with Bayern
City are determined not to lose Walker as well, but the right-back is keen to join Bayern Munich.
The defender – joined City from Tottenham in a £50m move in 2017 – has already rebuffed City’s offers of a new contract, which would see him paid more than he would earn in Munich.
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is eager to sign Walker, and according to The Athletic, the two clubs held discussions during their pre-season tours of Japan this summer.
However, no agreement was reached and there are no signs that one will be any time soon.
MCN view: City have a tricky choice
Guardiola has said City will fight to keep Walker, but if the England star refuses to sign a new contract then City face losing him for free next summer.
On the other hand, City may be short-staffed in defence if they sell Walker without finding a suitable replacement.
City’s policy of not standing in the way of players who want to leave looks set to be tested to the limit.
