Manchester City finally look set to offload Kyle Walker this summer, with Burnley closing in on a move.
It was decided earlier this year that Walker will not be a Man City player next season, and the England international has been looking for a new club.
Walker decided to join AC Milan on loan in January, and the Italian club had a buy option clause in the right-back’s contract.
However, they did not take up the offer, leaving Walker in limbo – until now, it seems.
David Ornstein was one of a number of journalists who broke the news, and he also confirmed how much Manchester City stand to both earn and save.
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Manchester City defender Kyle Walker in action for AC Milan
Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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Ornstein reported the news on The Athletic and on his own X page, saying Burnley were closing in on a ‘shock’ move for Walker.
He also claimed City stand to pocket up to £5million from selling Walker to Burnley, though that depends on whether bonuses are also achieved.
Ornstein then said City would save around £10million by getting Walker off their wage bill, as he is among their highest earners.
‘If all goes to plan, he will put pen to paper on a proposed two-year contract,’ added Ornstein. ‘Adding quality, experience and leadership to head coach Scott Parker’s side.’
What next for Manchester City over their right-back situation?
And so, Walker looks set to depart the Etihad Stadium, bringing an end to an illustrious career as one of the world’s best right-backs.
City’s need to sign a new right-back has now increased further, with BBC Sport’s Shamoon Hafez recently saying “it is absolutely imperative to get this sorted before 16 August”.
Hafez also claimed that City sources suggested the right-back situation was one to keep an eye on, but now “we’ve got both eyes firmly fixed on that situation”.
Tino Livramento would be a great option for City, but he’ll be a difficult signing to make, especially since Newcastle are also in the Champions League.
However, there are other targets. For instance, Manchester City are eyeing Kiliann Sildillia, who played 12 times with Rayan Cherki in France’s Under-21 side.
Man City have also been linked with Flamengo’s Wesley – it has even been reported that Pep Guardiola now prefers the Brazilian star over Livramento.