Manchester City pair agree shock U-turns despite exit links

Manchester City have been handed a double boost as key pair Kyle Walker and Bernardo Silva have decided to stay at the Etihad this summer, it has been reported.

Pep Guardiola’s side were thought to be at risk of losing both players this summer, having already seen Riyad Mahrez and Ilkay Gundogan depart the club for pastures new following their historic treble success.

Walker had a verbal agreement in place to move to Bayern Munich, having turned down one contract offer to stay in Manchester already, though the two clubs had yet to agree on a fee for the defender Pep Guardiola described as ‘irreplaceable’.

Meanwhile, Silva has long been touted with a move away from Manchester City, with interest in the Portuguese midfielder from Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and clubs from Saudi Arabia this summer.

Quizzed on Silva, Guardiola explained: ‘I want to work with guys who want to stay and work with us. Some players feel they want a new experience. I will not be the guy who says ‘no’ — but they have to make an agreement with the club.’

‘Make a deal and it happens. But we have to get a proper offer.

‘If we don’t get a proper offer, he’s our player and we want him’

Now, however, both are set to stay, with Sky Sports reporting that Silva is close to signing a new contract in Manchester.

Meanwhile, Walker is now backtracking on his agreement with Bayern and will sign a new deal too, with the club offering a better contract than the German Champions.

It will come as a massive boost to Guardiola’s side, who remain on the hunt for a new winger but will now not have to replace either of their first-team stars this summer.

Read more:

Chelsea strip 3 players of squad numbers as exits loom

Former Arsenal defender reveals key reason Gunners won’t be Premier League champions this season