Burnley are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, according to The Athletic.
Walker is surplus to requirements at City and will now switch to Burnley, where he joins the bid to keep the Clarets in the Premier League.
The last time Burnley came up, they were accused of not acquiring enough expertise when they crashed to the Championship, but a stalwart like Walker gives them plenty of experience.
The 35-year-old is in the twilight of his glittering career but can still play a key role for Burnley.
He struggled to get into the Man City starting XI before leaving on loan for AC Milan, where he would somehow make the Rossoneri faithful miss Emerson Royal.
His performances left plenty to be desired, and Milan let him return to Man City as they refused to take up their purchase option. He has now found a new stomping ground.
Barring any last-minute changes, Walker will sign a two-year contract, bringing quality, experience, and leadership to Scott Parker’s squad.
The pair were teammates at Tottenham Hotspur between 2011 and 2013.
The deal could earn Manchester City up to £5 million if performance-related bonuses are triggered.
More importantly, it will save the club around £10 million in wages and related costs.
Walker was one of City’s highest earners, the club captain last season, and among their longest-serving players.
During his eight-year spell at City, the England international collected 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League.
City are already lining up a replacement. The Cityzens are reportedly interested in Newcastle United right-back Tino Livramento, but the Magpies will not let him go easily.
Livramento is a solid candidate to usurp that position and provide competition for Rico Lewis.
However, the Magpies slapped a hefty price tag to ward off suitors from Alexander Isak, and they could pull a similar move for Livramento, whose contract runs till 2028.
