KYLE WALKER SET TO STRIP ICONIC NUMBER OFF EVERTON STAR AS TRANSFER CONFIRMED

Everton hold a genuine interest in Manchester City defender Kyle Walker, talkSPORT understands.

However, the Toffees are yet to make an official approach to City.

Walker has 12 months remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium but is not expected to see it out as a City player.

The 35-year-old was axed from City’s Club World Cup squad in another sign he has no future at the club.

Everton are in the market for a right-back following Ashley Young’s departure at the end of last season.

England international Walker has received an offer from Turkish club Fenerbahce, with Jose Mourinho keen to bring the six-time Premier League winner in.

Although he remains a City player at present, Walker has made no secret his time at City is up.

In an episode of his podcast, Walker revealed Guardiola properly farewelled the defender prior to his January switch to AC Milan in a sure sign the 35-year-old had likely played his last game for the club.

“When you come to say goodbye, it’s hard,” Walker said.

“After I said my goodbyes, Pep got up and spoke and said a really nice message to me, just saying thank you for everything.

“But listen, it’s not over, I’m just on loan here [AC Milan]. I’ve got to take into consideration that I can go back.

“Obviously, both parties need to come to an agreement by the end of the season. Listen, the chapter’s not fully closed, but we’ll see what happens.”

Although Walker’s time in Italy began brightly, Milan ultimately decided against turning his loan deal into a permanent one for a reported £4.2million.

Walker ended his stint at Milan with 16 appearances, 11 of which were starts, as injuries hampered his progress.

He also failed to register a goal or an assist for the Rossoneri.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast in May, Italian football expert Daniele Fisichella explained Walker’s age, lack of attacking contributions and Milan’s poor eighth-place finish in Serie A were all leading contributors to why the club swerved a permanent swoop for the right-back.

“Those 5 million euros would make him the second biggest earner on Milan’s books, just behind Rafael Leao,” Fisichella said.

“And with Milan not playing in Europe next season this is difficult for them to sign a 35-year-old.

“Also, Walker’s numbers this season have been average at best – zero goals, zero assists for Milan, also for Manchester City, to be fair.

“And when you look at the stats in Serie A in terms of tackles, duels won, passes in the final third – he’s not among the top 20 defenders in Italy.”

Fisichella added: “He’s not been bad, I don’t remember him making any big mistakes or causing Milan any troubles on top of what they’ve already had anyway.

“But if you look at what Milan have done when when he’s started, Walker, Milan have only kept three clean sheets.

“So, he’s been average at best.”

Walker has been one of City’s best in their modern era having registered nearly 320 appearances across all competitions.

The defender also has won a whopping 17 honours during his eight-year stint at the Etihad.

Those honours include six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.