Man City ‘have identified Pavard as replacement for Kyle Walker’

Manchester City will target Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard if Kyle Walker moves in the other direction, according to reports.

Walker, 33, is said to be closing in on a £15million move to the Bundesliga champions after agreeing personal terms. The two clubs are yet to agree on a deal, though.

Pep Guardiola’s side will seek to replace the long-serving defender efficiently by targeting Pavard, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Agreement on personal terms are said to be advanced but City are yet to hold negotiations with Bayern.

Pavard made 43 appearances for Bayern across all competitions last season, including 26 starts in the league.

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.

City reportedly will hold out for their £15million asking-price for the full-back, who Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel is an admirer of.

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.

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