PEP GUARDIOLA is reportedly “fighting” to keep defender Kyle Walker as Manchester City look to fend off interest from Bayern Munich.
The England international, 33, is being heavily linked with a move to the Bundesliga champions this summer.
He is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad, so Man City are aware they may have to sell him now in order to secure a fee.
However, according to Bild, Guardiola “doesn’t want to let him go”.
And the Premier League champions have offered Walker a new deal in a bid to persuade him to stay in Manchester.
It remains to be seen whether it will match Bayern’s contract offer – which runs until 2025 with the option of an additional year.
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Thomas Tuchel is keen to land Walker as a replacement for Benjamin Pavard – who is expected to leave the club this summer.
The German head coach is understood to be a fan of the ex-Tottenham man’s “defensive qualities, speed and mentality”.
It is now up to Walker to decide whether he would like to pen an extension with City or embark on a new challenge with Bayern.
He arrived at the Etihad from Spurs for £50million back in 2017.
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Walker has gone on to win a huge number of trophies including five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four Carabao Cups and the Champions League.
And he has racked up an impressive 254 appearances across six seasons with City.
But he was in and out of the team during the second half of last season as Guardiola switched to a back three consisting of Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake – with John Stones moving into midfield.
Walker did start the FA Cup final victory over Manchester United, but had to settle for being an 82nd minute substitute in the Champions League final triumph over Inter Milan.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
