Manchester City's Kyle Walker was reportedly prepared to leave the Premier League champions for Sheffield United in the summer, had the Blades provided a suitable offer.
The 33-year-old made the switch from Tottenham Hotspur in North London to the Etihad Stadium in the summer of 2017, and has since enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in Manchester.
Walker has helped Pep Guardiola's men to five Premier League titles over a six-year spell, as well as being a major part of the Citizens side who lifted the Champions League for the first time in the club's history in the 2022-23 term.
The England international has featured 263 times for Man City since moving from Spurs over six years ago, scoring six goals - mainly from a starting position of right-back.
According to transfer journalist Graeme Jones via TEAMtalk, Walker could have secured a switch to Sheffield United during this summer's transfer window had the stars aligned.
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The report claims that the former Blades man was seeking a fresh challenge after the conclusion of the 2022-23 campaign, with his six-year spell at the Etihad seemingly drawing to a close.
Walker started just 22 Premier League matches as Guardiola's side cantered to the Premier League title ahead of second-placed Arsenal, and it is believed that the defender saw his future elsewhere after being benched for the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
It is understood that Bayern Munich held in-depth discussions with Man City over the potential signing of the Englishman, with the player seeking a new challenge as he reaches the twilight of his career.
A deal with the Bundesliga giants never materialised over the course of the summer, however it is said that Sheffield United would have been able to lure Walker back to Bramall Lane.
The report adds that the player would have loved a return to Yorkshire if a suitable offer for his services was proposed - a condition which was heavily tied to United's ability to find new owners before the transfer window shut.
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It is widely known that current Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah is looking to sell the top-flight newcomers, although no agreement has been reached yet with potential suitors.
After the summer window ended, Guardiola convinced Walker to sign a two-year contract extension at the Etihad, committing his future to the European champions until the summer of 2026.
The defender has received plenty of plaudits for his club and on the international stage so far this term, netting his first-ever goal for the Three Lions during their draw with Ukraine in European Championship qualifying.
Walker is set to start as seventh-straight match in the Premier League for the Citizens when they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday, with the champions looking to preserve their 100% record at the beginning of the campaign.
Carter White
