Manchester City are set to take a decisive step in their pursuit of Kyle Walker as they are set to open talks with Tottenham over the defender’s move.
According to a report in Sky Sports, Manchester City are set to approach Tottenham this week to initiate discussions over Kyle Walker’s potential switch to the Etihad Stadium in the summer transfer window.
Walker is widely regarded as one of the most complete full-backs in the Premier League, having evolved superbly under the tutelage of Mauricio Pochettino. However, reports have claimed that the defender had a fallout with the Tottenham manager towards the end of last season, and is set to leave the club this summer.
Walker had to share game time with Kieran Trippier, meaning he could only play 39 of the 53 matches that Spurs played in 2016/17. Having a reduced role hasn’t gone down well with the 27-year-old, who is eager to be the primary right-back at this stage of his career.
Hence, a possible summer exit from Tottenham has been mooted over recent months, with Manchester City reportedly being the front-runners in the race to sign the Englishman.
Manchester City are set to begin talks with Tottenham over the potential £40m signing of Kyle Walker. [Sky Sports] pic.twitter.com/Y4ozB40dD4
— Transfer Talk (@EPLBible) June 12, 2017
Pep Guardiola endured a disappointing maiden campaign in England as the Citizens finished the season trophyless – they ended up third in the Premier League and went out in the Round of 16 in the Champions League.
The Manchester City manager is thus, keen to make improvements to his squad to mount a more sustainable challenge in all competitions next season. The club has, therefore, adopted an aggressive approach in the transfer market, having already secured the transfers of Ederson and Bernardo Silva.
Next on City’s agenda is Walker, with the right side of defence being a top priority for them. Guardiola had an ageing back-line at his disposal, which was identified as one of the reasons for the Citizens’ below par campaign in 2016/17.
On the right side of defence, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna have departed from the Etihad Stadium, and a position as the first-choice right-back is up for grabs. Hence, City are confident of tempting Walker with the aforementioned opportunity and are set to launch the offensive for him this summer.
They are likely to commence talks with Tottenham later this week, following England’s friendly against France on Tuesday. Be that as it may, Spurs are under no pressure to sell Walker considering he signed a five-year contract last September.
However, City remain confident that they will be able to secure the player’s services in a £40 million deal. With Tottenham valuing Walker at £50 million though, it remains to be seen if the player joins Guardiola’s squad in the summer transfer window.
