Manchester City ‘will target Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard’ if Kyle Walker chooses NOT to agree a 12-month extension at the Etihad
Pavard #Pavard
Manchester City will target Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard if Kyle Walker decides not stay at the Etihad this summer, according to reports.
City want Walker to sign a new 12-month extension amid serious interest from Bayern Munich and Juventus, although the right-back has yet to make a final decision.
Should Walker choose to leave the Etihad ahead of next season, Pep Guardiola’s side will seek to replace the long-serving defender efficiently by targeting Pavard, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Manchester City are yet to hold negotiations with Bayern over a deal for the Frenchman, with the German club currently focusing all energy on their pursuit of Walker.
Pavard made 43 appearances for Bayern across all competitions last season, including 26 starts in the league.
Manchester City have shortlisted Bayern Munich star Benjamin Pavard as a potential target
The Premier League champions are waiting to see if Kyle Walker signs a 12-month extension
He can operate as a right-back and as a centre-back but was used more often in the latter position last term, with his versatility likely to suit treble winners City.
At the age of 27, the France international is in his prime and would serve City longer than Walker, who is entering the latter years of his career.
Pavard, who joined Bayern in 2019, is entering the final year of his contract and there have been no indications that he will extend his stay.
Similarly, Walker has one year left on his contract and questions over his future in Manchester began to surface just a few months ago after the defender admitted he was ‘gutted’ to be left out of the Champions League final.
It is understood that Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel (above) is an admirer of Walker
City reportedly will hold out for their £15million asking-price for the full-back, who Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of. Their hope, however, is that the England right-back commits to an additional year in Manchester.
Mail Sport previously reported that Sheffield United were keen on bringing Walker back to Yorkshire, though a move to Munich would allow him to keep playing Champions League football next season.
Walker has played a key role in City’s dominance domestically and in Europe during Pep Guardiola’s reign.
But a move to the continent – and the prospect of a longer contract – may tempt Walker into calling time on his trophy-laden career at City.
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