Transfer Talk: Walker may run from City to get Bayern playing time

Kyle Walker looks set to be at the centre of a summer transfer battle. 

The 33-year-old has been linked with a switch to Bayern Munich but Manchester City want the defender to stay. 

Euro 2024 is on the horizon and playing time could be a major motivation for Walker, with Pep Guardiola having made a tactical switch that saw the need for a traditional right-back reduced. 

Ahead of the new season, we take a look at where the England international is likely to end up. 

Guardiola wish

City beat Bayern 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday, with Walker's future being a major talking point. 

Before the match, Guardiola stated his desire to hold on to the fleet-footed full-back. 

He said: "Kyle is incredibly important for us. He has specific qualities that are so difficult to find out wide. 

"I don't know what's going to happen. Both clubs are in touch. 

"We will fight for him like I'm sure Bayern will. I don't know how it will finish." 

Talking tactics

Walker played in the friendly against the German champions but found himself on the sidelines when City won the Champions League back in June. 

Guardiola's switch to a system that utilised three central defenders saw Walker having to adapt to a new role, where he faced additional competition. 

He has been used as a third centre-back by England on occasion and his pace is certainly an asset to that defensive formation. 

With his contract set to expire in 2024 and City tending to allow players that want to leave the club go, the decision could rest with the Sheffield native.

Swap deal

A new challenge could appeal at this stage of his career, with Walker having won everything with the Citizens, especially if his England team-mate Harry Kane also moves to Bavaria. 

But settling on a suitable fee for a player in his 30s in the last year of his contract could be the sticking point. 

Allianz Arena chiefs will not want to pay too much, yet City may prefer to try and persuade Walker to give another season of service, should a suitable fee not be agreed. 

If the former Tottenham ace pushes for a departure, Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard has been suggested as a possible swap option to sweeten a deal.

Last tournament

It is not surprising that Guardiola wants to hang on to Walker, given that his versatility allows the Catalan tactician to operate with a back three or four. 

Making a convincing case that the No2 will be a regular starter could be key to keeping him. 

With Walker turning 34 next May, Euro 2024 could well prove to be his last chance to play at an international tournament and win a trophy with England. 

The availability of the likes of Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold gives Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate plenty of options on the right side of his defence. 

Yet Southgate has long relied upon the City star to solve the issue of his centre-backs' lack of pace. 

Walker certainly looks set to be in Germany next summer. The only question is whether he will also be playing his club football there.