MANCHESTER CITY HAVE agreed a deal worth up to £50 million to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports in England.
Matt Law of The Daily Telegraph broke the story earlier this afternoon, reporting that England international Walker is unlikely to report for pre-season training with Spurs tomorrow while the deal is being finalised.
Both clubs, however, are understood to be confident that the move will go through, despite City’s initial unwillingness to offer anything north of £40 million to accrue Walker’s services. Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is said to have slapped the lofty valuation on the defender, with his club and City in talks for weeks regarding the potential transfer.
A £50 million deal would equal the world record fee for a defender, paid by Paris Saint-Germain to Chelsea for David Luiz in 2014.
27-year-old Walker has made 183 competitive appearances for Spurs since arriving from Sheffield United in 2009, scoring four goals from right-back. He has also earned 27 caps for his country.
Walker was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the second time back in April, having enjoyed a career-best campaign in North London.
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Mad to think he’s only just about to turn 29 given how long he’s been on the scene. He seems to have turned his life around a bit since he joined Sale. I’d love to see him have a big impact now he’s returned to Australia. He was such a talent when he broke onto the scene but couldn’t get out of his own way.
@Eddie Hekenui: agreed not only does he provide a spark in defence but hes a tough tackler as well. Very interested to see where Cheika plays him
@Eddie Hekenui: credit where credit is due, Steve Diamond and his setup seems to be able to rehabilitate and get the best out of guys like O’Connor as well. Also this is not the first time he’s allowed players to leave early to pursue their international dreams, with Ireland also being a beneficiary. I know there has been some criticism of his methods, I probably don’t know enough of the background to comment on that, but players do seem to want to play for him.
@Gareth Wogan: Do you really think Cheika will play him at all, given the length of time he’s been away from international rugby?
Folau’s ignorance=O’Connor’s opportunity
@Nicholas Ryan: exactly !!
Imagine him on the wing as a 21 year old and folau in his prime at fullback together… Don’t need anyone lecturing me about folau I’m well aware of the situation. Just imagine though
Always struggled to find his best position with the wobs