Kyle Walker leaves Sheffield United transfer door open as Blades keep tabs on Burnley upheaval
Kyle Walker made no secret of his desire to return to Sheffield United one day, with the Blades keeping a watching brief on his situation this summer after Burnley’s managerial change.
Key figures at Sheffield United are expected to keep half an eye on developments at their Championship rivals Burnley over the summer, after they made the call to part company with manager Scott Parker earlier today. The former midfielder guided the Clarets to automatic promotion last season, at the expense of United.
But Parker was unable to keep them in the Premier League and confirmation of his departure landed earlier today, perhaps throwing the future of former England defender Kyle Walker into even more uncertainty.
The right-back turns 36 next month and has made no secret of his desire to pull on a United shirt again before he hangs up his boots, having come through the club’s academy before being sold to Tottenham Hotspur.
Kyle Walker leaves Sheffield United transfer door open as Blades keep tabs on Burnley upheaval
The most illustrious spell of his career came at Manchester City before he penned a two-year deal at Burnley following his departure from the Etihad. He still has a year left on that deal.
But United will monitor the situation, we understand, at Turf Moor and there would be at least an interest in bringing Walker back home if the suitable opportunity arises for all parties.
Boss Chris Wilder is a confirmed fan of his fellow boyhood Blade and has spoken on numerous occasions about trying to persuade Walker to return to Bramall Lane, during his time at City.
That has not happened yet but with Walker in the twilight of his career, there seems to be a recognition that the opportunity will not be there forever. Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports recently, Walker said of his future: “I still feel good.
“I still feel good, and I've got a contract. I've got a contract here, so I need to warrant the contract. I signed here, knowing that it would be difficult. Knowing that there was a potential and the possibility of going down. I think I've made it very clear, my dream of Sheffield United, but I'm a Burnley player.
“And I have to respect the badge and I have to respect the fans and I have to respect my teammates. That I'm here, I will be here for the foreseeable future and will be here next season. And we'll see what we can do from there. Do I know what will happen in football? No, I don't. But as a man, I have a contract and I'm going to warrant it.”
Boss Wilder has openly spoken about his desire to add more experience, character and personality to his group next term, after an underwhelming campaign this time around, and signing a 96-cap England international would certainly tick a lot of boxes.
But there is still a lot of work to do before that happens, with Burnley currently holding the cards in terms of the player’s future with that year left on his deal. But if the new manager goes in a fresh direction and decides Walker’s salary could be used anywhere, he could be offered an escape route in South Yorkshire that could suit all parties.