Bayern Munich will reportedly start negotiations with Manchester City for the transfer of Kyle Walker next week.
Over six seasons at City Walker has become the best right-back in the world, but the 33-year-old’s time at the Etihad Stadium could soon come to an end.
Walker lost his place in Pep Guardiola’s preferred starting XI in the second half of last season, but Bayern have offered him the opportunity of regular minutes for an elite team.
Bayern keen to get moving
Walker has been linked with Bayern for some weeks now, but it appears that the Bundesliga champions are keen to get the ball rolling before too much of pre-season has passed.
According to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, Bayern intend to begin negotiations with City this week.
The report states that all parties involved expect an agreement of around €15m (£12.8m) plus add-ons.
Plettenberg has previously reported that Walker has given the green light to the German giants and has agreed to a contract until 2025 with the option of an additional year.
The England international reportedly wants to speak with City boss Guardiola by Tuesday to make clear his intention to leave for Germany.
Thomas Tuchel wants Walker to be a leading figure at Bayern, and called him last month to discuss a potential move.
MCN view: Now might be the right time to move on
Supporters might scoff at the idea of Walker leaving for less than £13m, but when you consider his age and the state of the European transfer market, City would be wise to accept Bayern’s proposal.
Although Walker proved during City’s treble run-in that he is still capable of performing at the highest level – he started seven consecutive games, including the FA Cup final, when Nathan Ake was injured – age is certainly against him.
Walker’s City contract expires next summer, so if they don’t sell him now they will lose him for nothing.
With Guardiola planning to continue using a four-centre-back system and with young full-back Rico Lewis waiting in the wings, now seems the right time to let Walker go.
