From Fabrizio Romano: Manchester City identify France international as Kyle Walker replacement

Manchester City have now identified their replacement for Kyle Walker, should the England international complete a desired move to Bayern Munich this summer.

The England international is understood to have now reached an agreement with the Bundesliga champions over a switch to Munich this summer, giving the green light to club officials regarding a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months.

While Manchester City and Bayern Munich are now expected to enter into negotiations over a possible transfer fee – with the Premier League champions set to seek in excess of £15 million – Etihad officials will simultaneously gauge an understanding over possible replacements.

That search is already well underway, according to a new report, with City looking towards Bayern Munich themselves and the subject of their French international defender Benjamin Pavard.

That is as per the exclusive information of Fabrizio Romano, who reports that Manchester City have now identified Bayern Munich’s versatile defender Benjamin Pavard as their new top target for the right-back position.

The France international is reportedly City’s priority target in case Kyle Walker finalises a move to the Allianz Arena this summer, with a deal described by Fabrizio Romano as being ‘advanced on the player’s side, but not completed yet’.

To summarise, Romano reaffirms that Bayern Munich and Manchester City will now discuss both Kyle Walker and Benjamin Pavard.

Should Manchester City not look to recruit at right-back this summer, despite a sale of Kyle Walker, then Pep Guardiola would look to utilise his current options and convert some players into the role across the course of the campaign.

Last season alone saw a number of players operate in the right-sided full-back position, with Rico Lewis being the breakthrough star of the campaign having been granted the opportunity to excel in the role following the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

John Stones and Manuel Akanji have both also operated at right-back to a degree of success, and as such, the Manchester City manager is unlikely to be too overly concerned should club officials fail to replace the England international in the coming weeks and months.

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