Manchester City will fight to keep Kyle Walker as Bayern Munich circle to lure him away, the Premier League champions' manager Pep Guardiola said.
England international Walker, who has a year left on his City contract, has been one of Guardiola's key players.
His defensive versatility allows him to play in a back-four or a back-three.
With a year to go to the opening ceremony of the Games, there have been concerns over France's readiness on a range of issues from hotels to security@Olympics @FranceOlympique https://t.co/RDUdCJIFt9
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The 33-year old, who was signed by City for an initial fee of 45m pounds ($58m) in 2017, has won 12 major trophies with the English champions, including a historic treble last season.
"He's an incredibly important player for us...His specific qualities are irreplaceable," Guardiola told reporters before Wednesday's pre-season friendly between the two clubs.
Lionel Messi's instant impact in the United States continued Tuesday as he scored twice in @InterMiamiCF's 4-0 victory over @ATLUTD, firing his team into the knockout rounds of the Leagues Cup.https://t.co/IjMRQtAT9o
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"We want him, yes, in the end. I don't know what will happen. I know we're in contact, both clubs. We will fight for him like I'm sure Bayern will...I don't know how it will finish."
Asked if Walker would feature against German champions Bayern in Tokyo, Guardiola said: "We need our best players out there against Bayern and we hope he is going to stay with us next season, so why should he not play?"
@PSG_inside's Japan tour started with a whimper Tuesday as they played out a 0-0 draw with @Cristiano's @AlNassrFC_EN in Osaka.https://t.co/Vmi0ZPSsOJ
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) July 25, 2023
City's first match of the 2023-24 domestic campaign after their pre-season tour is the Community Shield game against Arsenal on Aug. 6.
