Pep Guardiola has promised that Manchester City will do all that they can to keep Kyle Walker at the club.
The England international has expressed his desire to leave City for Bayern Munich, and reportedly accepted a contract proposal from the Bundesliga champions some weeks ago.
The two clubs discussed the situation while both were in Japan for pre-season, but no agreement was reached. Bayern are reportedly growing frustrated at the lack of progress in the talks.
According to The Athletic, City will offer Walker a two-year contract – with the option of an additional 12 months – and a bid to persuade him to stay.
The proposal is an improvement on City’s previous offer – which Walker rejected – and the one put forward by Bayern.
Pep makes promise
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Arsenal, City boss Guardiola was asked about the situation of Walker and City teammate Bernardo Silva.
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“What can I say? They are so important to us. We want them and will do everything [to keep them],” he said.
“We want him to stay because he wants to stay. We will do everything. Replacing these two would be so difficult.
“When you win a treble, some think the job is done and want a new experience. I will not be the guy who says no – but they have to make an agreement with the important part of the club, the business. Make a deal and it happens.
“In the case of Bernardo and Kyle, we talk many times over the last months and even years how important they are, how we want them and we will continue to do so until the end.”
Walker has been a key member of Pep Guardiola’s squad since City signed him from Tottenham for £50m in 2017.
The 33-year-old right-back finished last season with Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League medals around his neck after City completed a historic treble.
However, Walker was unhappy with his minutes last term and was particularly unhappy at being left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League final.