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Kyle Walker has completed a surprise move from Manchester City to Burnley for a fee that could rise to £5m after agreeing a two-year contract with the Premier League newcomers.
The England international was eager to stay in the north-west of England when it became apparent he would be allowed to leave City. Everton had shown an interest in the right-back but he eventually chose to reunite with his former Tottenham teammate Scott Parker, who is the Burnley head coach.
“I’m delighted to be here,” said the 35-year-old. “When I spoke to Scott and heard about his plans for next season, it was an opportunity I jumped at. He’s done an amazing job here, guiding the club back to the Premier League with a 100-point haul, and now we’re looking forward, together, at being back in the greatest league in the world.
“Burnley had a tremendous campaign last season, built on an incredible defensive record, and I can’t wait to come in and add my experience and quality to what looks an exciting squad.”
Walker won 17 major trophies during his decade at the Etihad Stadium but asked to leave in the winter transfer window, spending the second half of the season on loan at Milan. The Serie A club decided against making the deal permanent and Walker sought a move to a Premier League club.
Walker, who has 96 caps, has been part of each of Thomas Tuchel’s England squads and will have his eye on representing his country at sixth major tournament and believes playing in the Premier League will help him achieve his aim.
Walker becomes Burnley’s fifth signing of the summer after they won promotion from the Championship, having finished second last season behind Leeds.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have agreed a £55m fee with Nottingham Forest for Anthony Elanga, with the winger set to complete a move to the Champions League side in the coming days.
The winger’s personal terms are not thought to be an issue and the signing of the Sweden international will end a year-long pursuit by Eddie Howe. Newcastle tried to sign Elanga last summer but the Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, was adamant he would not be sold. A fee of £55m was seen as too good to refuse for a player the club purchased for £15m two seasons ago from Manchester United.
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The 23-year-old has excelled at the City Ground helping Forest to qualify for Europe for the first time in more than 30 years. Last season he scored six goals and created 11 more in his 38 appearances as Forest finished seventh in the league.
Forest will make the 22-year-old PSV winger Johan Bakayoko, who has been tracked by Borussia Dortmund and by rival Premier League clubs, a prominent target if Elanga departs.
