Manchester City

Manchester City

Premier League • England

Man City star to link up with Liverpool hero as shock interest from Euro giant emerges; Pep Guardiola decision key

Kyle Walker, Kalvin Phillips and John Stones

A Manchester City man could play alongside former Liverpool striker Divock Origi next season as AC Milan have begun pursuing his signature in what would be a surprise move, according to a report.

Origi left Liverpool on a free transfer last summer following the expiry of his contract with the Reds. While he was not always a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp, Origi became a cult hero thanks to his ability to score crucial goals in big matches.

The Belgian has gone on to play 30 times for Milan this season, though he has only managed two goals and one assist.

After winning the Serie A title last season, Milan look set to lose the trophy to Napoli this term. While Napoli are top of the table and boast a 17-point lead with just seven matches remaining, Milan are languishing in fifth place and could miss out on the Champions League qualification spots.

According to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, Rossoneri chiefs are already drawing up plans to improve the squad ahead of an assault on the Scudetto next season.

And McGrath reveals Milan are shockingly targeting Kyle Walker for a summer move.

READ MORE: Arsenal move for Man City star ‘makes sense’ as Zinchenko shows how sensational signing would fit

The right-back has fallen down the pecking order due to Pep Guardiola starting to operate with inverted full-backs. Guardiola does not believe Walker has the ability to do this job, instead using the likes of John Stones or Rico Lewis there.

Walker feels he can still play an important role at the top level and this has set up the possibility of him leaving the Etihad. This could either happen in a cut-price deal in the summer, or when his contract expires in June 2024.

City man given Serie A opportunity

Milan have identified the England international as a potential summer recruit. Should such a move go through, then he would compete with Milan captain Davide Calabria for a starting spot on the right side of defence.

The Serie A giants are impressed by the fact Walker remains so quick, despite him being 32 years old and in the twilight years of his career.

Walker has also shown he is able to recover from injuries quickly, as he returned to action faster than expected after undergoing groin surgery in the build up to the World Cup.

McGrath adds that several other teams are likely to begin talks over Walker’s capture, should City put him up for sale.

Walker could face the intriguing prospect of choosing between one of Europe’s most successful clubs in Milan and his boyhood team, Sheffield United.

The Sheffield-born star has been open about his desire to play for the Blades again before he retires. And with Paul Heckingbottom on the verge of getting Sheff Utd back into the top flight, that move could become a reality.

Returning to Sheff Utd would be a great way for Walker to end his long and successful career. Signing him would be a huge help as Sheff Utd look to establish themselves as regulars in the Premier League.

Although, a switch to Milan would also be hard to turn down. They could offer Walker better wages than Heckingbottom’s side. Plus, Milan have an illustrious history and are therefore an attractive team for any player.

Meanwhile, City have discovered their ideal replacement for Joao Cancelo at left-back, according to one source.