Kyle Walker has never hidden his desire to finish his career at Sheffield United - but an emotional homecoming remains far from straightforward. Danny Hall has the latest

Sheffield United’s hopes of sealing a sensational Bramall Lane return for boyhood Blade Kyle Walker are hanging in the balance, The Star understands. The former England international is now 36 years old and has enjoyed an illustrious playing career with club and country.

A trophy-laden spell at Manchester City officially came to an end last summer when he made the short move to recently-promoted Burnley, after a loan spell at AC Milan. But he has made no secret of his desire to pull on the red and white shirt again before he hangs up his boots.

As recently as April he again made his feelings clear, admitting in an interview with Sky Sports: “I still feel good, and I've got a contract. I've got a contract [at Burnley], 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.”

Burnley’s relegation back to the Championship, and Blades chief Chris Wilder’s often-stated desire to add more personality and character to his squad this summer, raised hopes that he 96-cap England man could make an emotional homecoming this summer.

But we have been told that, as things stand, the prospect appears remote unless Walker takes a substantial cut on his current salary at Burnley, with another year on his contract at Turf Moor.

The agreement he signed with the Clarets last year would dwarf what United would be able to offer him currently, even before the introduction of squad cost ratio rules which further limit how much the Blades can spend on players.

The current state of play not only leaves Walker’s career in a state of limbo, with Burnley thought to be keen to try and balance their own books after relegation, but with something of a head-v-heart decision as he approaches the end of his playing days.

Despite his frequent overtures about returning to United, that simply can’t happen until a substantial financial compromise is reached. Walker is, of course, perfectly entitled to seek the best deal for himself at this stage in his career.

But the ball is very much in his court on the prospect of an S2 return - and time is steadily ticking. Speaking last year, boss Wilder said of Sharrow-born Walker: “I think the world of him.

“He's a top player and he's already said he wants to finish what has been a brilliant career back at Sheffield United. Don't count against it. He's got my number and ... he’s welcome back here anytime."