Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has his heart set on a return to boyhood club Sheffield United... but not for another year.
Walker, who turns 33 later this month, is no longer a guaranteed starter at the Etihad and has just 13 months remaining on his existing deal. It's believed a number of European clubs are interested in signing the England international, but he has no plans to move abroad.
Instead, Walker is eyeing up a move to Bramall Lane. Sheff Utd are back in the Premier League after achieving promotion from the Championship and may wish to welcome one of their own back to South Yorkshire when the time comes for him to leave City.
As reported by The Sun, AC Milan are among those chasing Walker's signature. The defender is regarded as one of the best right-backs of his generation after winning 75 senior caps for his country and several trophies, including four Premier League titles.
City boss Pep Guardiola would like Walker to remain part of his squad, although it's unlikely he will offer him a new contract due to his advancing years. The Sheffield lad is clearly still good enough to play at the highest level, proven by his recent performances.
Walker kept Vinicius Junior relatively quiet during City's 1-1 draw against Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final last week. He did the same to Kylian Mbappe during England's 2-1 quarter-final defeat to France at the World Cup in Qatar.
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Walker has made no secret of his desire to re-sign for Sheff Utd before retiring. If City can win the Champions League this season or the next, he will complete a clean sweep of club honours. Guardiola's side are the favourites to win this year's tournament.
Yet the Blades will not be able to afford Walker this summer due to his reported £160,000-a-week salary. As such, he is likely to stay in Manchester for another year and offer his experience to Rico Lewis, who looks set to become Walker's long-term successor.
Right-back is also a department Sheff Utd do not need to strengthen on their return to the Premier League. George Baldock is a Greece international and held his own during their last spell in the top flight between 2019 and 2021.
Jayden Bogle is also a decent reserve for Baldock. Walker could slot in at right-centre-back for Sheff Utd on his proposed return, a position he often plays for England, but that's another area of the pitch where the Blades have strength in depth.
Anel Ahmedhodzic was recently named in the Championship's Team of the Year and should hold his own in the Premier League. His understudy Chris Basham was Sheff Utd's Player of the Year when they finished ninth in the big time three seasons ago.
In a year's time, though, the situation could look completely different for Sheff Utd. Manager Paul Heckingbottom will be keeping a close eye on Walker's situation at the Etihad and will consider swooping for the boyhood Blade... if they can stay up next season.
