Kyle Walker has revealed he was “close” to joining Bayern Munich in the summer but is now set to sign a new contract at Manchester City. The City right-back was the subject of strong interest from the German giants during the close season and, coupled with uncertainty over his future at the Etihad Stadium, he admits he was seriously tempted. The 33-year-old had a spell out of favour last spring and, although he regained his place towards the end of the treble-winning campaign, was left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League final in June. As he entered the final year of his contract, Bayern turned his head with an attractive package but, with City later offering what is understood to be a two-year extension, Walker opted to stay put. “It was close but in football things can happen,” Walker said. “Decisions can be made, things can turn. It wasn’t meant to be. “Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would, but this is a great club and you can’t underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years. “Why should I walk away if I am going to get enough game time that’s right for me? That is all I want. “It was about who gave me the most years. It wasn’t like I was going to a worse club because Bayern Munich is a massive club and seeing what Harry (Kane) is doing there and will do, it wasn’t a step down. I have a contract with the club and I will play for the club until the contract (ends) or they sell me Kyle Walker “In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Manchester City but I had to do what was right for me and my future. It was just about which club gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level.” The speculation linking Walker with Bayern was at its most intense in July, just as City played the Bundesliga club during a pre-season friendly in July. To some surprise at the time, Walker not only started for City but took the captain’s armband. He said: “I am a Manchester city player. I am contracted to them so what do you want me to do? Turn round and say ‘I am not playing because I want to force a move to Bayern Munich’? “That is not me as a person. I have a contract with the club and I will play for the club until the contract (ends) or they sell me – and I wasn’t sold.” Walker, who joined City from Tottenham in 2017, says confirmation of the new deal which would commit him to the reigning Premier League champions was imminent. “The extension is coming,” said Walker, who has five title-winner’s medals. “It’s my seventh season here and I feel like one of the old ones. “I love the place. I’ve experienced things I only dreamt of here – especially the last season – so why would you want to leave a club like this?” Walker is also keen to take on the City captaincy full-time with manager Pep Guardiola planning to hold a squad vote to identify Ilkay Gundogan’s replacement in the coming weeks. He said: “The vote hasn’t been yet. They like to do it after the transfer window is closed. “It is an honour of privilege, of course I want it. If you can’t pass on your knowledge and life experiences on or off the field, I shouldn’t be playing at a great club like this.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Big-serving Ben Shelton storms into US Open quarter-finals Erik ten Hag frustrated by decisions in Manchester United’s defeat at Arsenal They really outplayed us – Jos Buttler credits New Zealand after England mauling

Sarina Bolden rose above two defenders and headed the ball toward the goal

Eddie Howe’s return to AFC Bournemouth turned into a nightmare after Dominic Solanke’s double condemned Newcastle United to a 2-0 defeat. Howe, who was the Cherries manager the last time they beat Newcastle in 2017, saw his side’s seven-match unbeaten Premier League run end and their injury crisis deepen. The Magpies were already missing 11 players through injury and suspension after Callum Wilson tweaked a hamstring in the midweek defeat at Borussia Dortmund. They then lost Miguel Almiron to what looked like another hamstring problem midway through the first half. The long casualty list meant a first Premier League start for 17-year-old Lewis Miley in central midfield. Such are Newcastle’s lack of options they ended the match with Ben Parkinson, an 18-year-old who had never previously made a first-team appearance, playing alone in attack. It was therefore little surprise to see Bournemouth dominate the match, although they had to wait for an hour before Solanke finally made the breakthrough. Just 40 seconds had elapsed when Ryan Christie, who signed a new Cherries contract this week, tested Nick Pope with a drive from the edge of the area. It set the tone for the evening and moments later Antoine Semenyo burst through and forced as fine save from the Toon keeper, down low to his left. Bournemouth welcomed back Brazilian keeper Neto after a spell out injured and he had to be on his toes to tip over Sean Longstaff’s 20-yard shot from Newcastle’s only real attack. Solanke should have given the hosts the lead after he raced on to Semenyo’s ball over the top, but he delayed his shot and Jamaal Lascelles slid in to make a last-ditch block. Then Justin Kluivert, whose father Patrick played for Newcastle, let fly from 20 yards forcing Pope into another sharp save. With the visitors under the cosh, Pope saved again from Christie and Semenyo poked across goal and wide as they somehow made it to half-time goalless. Bournemouth almost fell behind after the break when Neto made a mess of Kieran Trippier’s free-kick, but Solanke was on hand to clear the danger. Solanke then went back to the day job at the other end of the pitch and promptly broke the deadlock. When Joe Willock challenged Semenyo, the ball rolled off him into the path of the former Liverpool striker, who raced into the area and lashed his shot inside Pope’s near post. Pope saved a fierce drive from Marcus Tavernier shot but Bournemouth doubled the lead from the following corner, Solanke flicking the rebound home with his heel after Luis Sinisterra’s header hit a post. It secured only a second win of the season for Bournemouth and lifted them out of the bottom three, while Newcastle head into the international break licking their wounds. Read More England head to Indonesia inspired by Under-17 World Cup winner Phil Foden Rumours: Man United could sell duo in January and Newcastle target midfield pair Never-say-die attitude gives Newcastle Champions League belief – Kieran Trippier Newcastle discover brutal truth – it’s so much harder in the Champions League Eddie Howe knows Newcastle need two wins to keep Champions League hopes alive Borussia Dortmund v Newcastle LIVE: Champions League result and reaction

What the papers say Manchester United are keen to add reinforcements at centre-back with 23-year-old French defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Portuguese defender Goncalo Inacio, 22, reportedly on their list. They are seen as ideal replacements for Raphael Varane, according to The Sun. Sky Sports reports that Real Betis winger Assane Diao, 18, has emerged as a target for Brentford, with the Premier League club looking to make a move for the Spain Under-21 international in the January transfer window. Wolves are keen to sign striker Rafiu Durosinmi, but they are not the only ones, the Telegraph reports. Eintracht Frankfurt are also interested in the Nigerian 20-year-old. Social media round-up Players to watch Rayan Ait-Nouri: Chelsea have added Wolves’ Algeria international to their list of possible targets, according to 90min. Pedro Neto: Manchester United, Arsenal and several Saudi clubs are all eager to sign the 23-year-old, but keenness may wane as Wolves demand a fee of at least £60m, TEAMtalk reports. Read More Dallas Cowboys cruise to Thanksgiving win over Washington Commanders Novak Djokovic clashes with British fans after Davis Cup win: ‘No, you shut up’ Jack Draper suffers opening-rubber defeat as Serbia seize control at Davis Cup

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