Football
Man City trio Kyle Walker, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva face uncertain futures after treble win; Barca remain interested in City captain Gundogan, who is out of contract at the end of this month; City will not stand in Silva’s way this summer if he wishes to leave
Monday 19 June 2023 21:24, UK
Bayern Munich are in advanced negotiations to sign Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, according to Sky in Germany.
The 33-year-old has one year left on his deal at the Etihad.
Sky in Germany are reporting that Bayern head coach and former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has been the main driver in convincing Walker to move to the Bundesliga champions.
City head coach Pep Guardiola left Walker on the bench for the Champions League final, favouring Nathan Ake over him in defence.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Guardiola said in April that Walker was unable to play in City’s system which saw John Stones move into midfield from defence at a time when the England international had lost his place in the team.
“He cannot do it,” Guardiola said of Walker. “He will always have pace; Kyle at 60 years old will be the fastest player in this room. To play inside you have to have educated movements – he doesn’t have every one of the characteristics.”
Walker, who joined City from Tottenham in 2017 for £50m, has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League in his six years in Manchester.
Transfer Centre LIVE!
Papers – latest headlines
Download the Sky Sports App
Get Sky Sports
Man City will not stand in Bernardo Silva’s way if he wishes to leave the club.
However, as has previously been the case, the player and his representatives must request a transfer and present a suitable offer to the treble-winners to consider.
Paris Saint-German are interested in signing him, while Barcelona are also long-term admirers of the Portugal international.
In an ideal world for City, Silva would stay and sign a new long-term contract, having been instrumental in their momentous achievements last season, winning the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup trophies.
However, Silva is understood to have considered a move away from City last summer, which did not materialise.
Meanwhile, City are continuing talks over the signing of midfielder Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea.
Barcelona are looking to sign at least one new midfielder this summer and remain keen on City captain Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer.
Gundogan is in talks with City over a new deal with his contract set to expire at the end of the month.
However, the length of the deal on offer for the 32-year-old – one year plus an option of a further 12 months – has been a sticking point.
Barca are thought to be among the clubs willing to offer him a longer deal, while Arsenal are also interested in Gundogan.
Bayern Munich are currently in pole position in the race for Napoli centre-back and Manchester United target Min-Jae Kim.
Bayern are ready to pay a release clause that is based on the turnover of the purchasing club.
The clause will cost at least £42m and could be as much as £59m.
Sky Sports News reported earlier this month that United have made it clear to Kim’s representatives they want to sign him. United are currently prioritising the signing of a striker, however.
According to Sky in Germany, Bayern are looking to sign multiple new defenders given both Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard want to leave.
They are also interested in Villarreal defender Pau Torres.
Paris Saint-Germain want Hernandez, and Bayern would accept an offer of around £51m plus bonuses.
Another Sunday, another chance to win £250,000 with Super 6. Play for free, entries by 4:30pm.
© 2023 Sky UK