Manchester City target transfer swoop for Crystal Palace defender as potential Kyle Walker replacement

Crystal Palace could be subject to transfer interest from Manchester City in the summer as part of the Etihad club’s search for a long-term Kyle Walker replacement.

The veteran England international defender brought an end to his seven and a half year stay at the Etihad Stadium during the January transfer window, initially on a short-term loan spell but with a buy-option in the agreement.

AC Milan were the successful suitors in the race to sign the 34-year-old, having faced competition from local rivals Inter and clubs in Saudi Arabia, while the San Siro club can make the move permanent in the summer for around €5 million.

Having not secured a replacement for Walker during the January transfer window, despite interest in Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, Manchester City now have greater time to assess the market for options ahead of the summer.

And the latest report has tied the club with interest in a player much closer to home than the aforementioned Italy international, and a player with experience in the English top-flight in particular.

According to the information of Antena 2, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz is now on the transfer radar of Manchester City, who are accompanied by interest from top-flight rivals Chelsea as well as Barcelona.

It is claimed that manager Pep Guardiola appears to be leading City’s interest as he sees the right-back as an option to replace Kyle Walker, while the 28-year-old himself would be ‘ready to jump’ to another Premier League team.

However, it is stressed the Colombian wants to wait until summer before deciding his next steps, allowing him to evaluate ‘proposals more carefully’ while maintaining focus on Crystal Palace where his contract runs until 2027 with the option of a further 12 months.

For now, Manchester City will have to continue with existing options within their squad to cope without Kyle Walker for the remainder of the season, and manager Pep Guardiola has already leaned towards Matheus Nunes as a possible solution.

The Portugal international has showcased exceptional pace and attacking prowess during his outings in the role, but continues to be susceptible to defensive frailties when called into action moving towards his own goal.

Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones are all expected to be considered by Guardiola at various stages of the season that remains, having all proven their worth in the right-back position in previous seasons.