KYLE WALKER is set to join AC Milan on a 12-month loan deal, SunSport has revealed.
The 34-year-old Manchester City captain is expected to arrive in Italy soon and will be unveiled as the Rossoneri’s latest signing.
Walker was initially close to joining Inter Milan after expressing his intention to leave City, but negotiations fell through due to wage disagreements. AC Milan has since stepped in, agreeing to cover most of Walker’s £150,000-per-week salary.
The move signals a temporary end to Walker’s illustrious eight-year stint at City, while also preventing Milan from pursuing Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, as Serie A rules restrict clubs to signing just one British player annually.
A source confirmed: “The deal is done. Kyle is eager to complete the formalities in Italy and is thrilled about this new chapter, ready to wear the iconic jersey. He’s officially an AC Milan player.”
Walker’s departure was initiated over a week ago after he notified City of his wish to leave. Manager Pep Guardiola disclosed Walker’s intentions following their 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford.
3Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanCredit: Getty
3It brings an end to a glittering career with Manchester City, for now at leastCredit: AFP
3The England full-back won six Premier League titles at the Etihad
Walker was left out of the squad for the tie and was missing days later for the 2-2 draw with Brentford.
Guardiola revealed: “Kyle asked to explore the option to play abroad.
“He asked after the Treble, when Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer was not good enough.
“I prefer to play players whose mind is here. Kyle asked to explore but it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen because you never know.
“We cannot understand the success that the club had these years without Kyle. It is impossible.
“He has been our right-back and given us something we didn’t have. He’s been amazing.
“But now in his mind, for many reasons, he would like to explore if he can go to another country to play his last years.”
Incredible trophy haul
Walker has won 17 major honours with City since his £50million move from Tottenham in 2017.
His accolades include six Prem titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and the Champions League.
He ruled out a move to the Saudi league to keep alive his chances of winning more England caps.
He feared a move to the Middle East would almost certainly end his chances of becoming the first black player to reach 100 caps for the Three Lions.
He currently has 93 and would need to make the plane for the World Cup next year to reach the historic milestone.
A source said: “He not about to give up on that dream. He’s achieved so much already – but 100 England caps would be his crowning glory.
“To achieve that, he’s going to have to give everything. He knows his career is coming to an end but he’s not done yet.
“Don’t write him off.”