Tottenham are refusing to let Kyle Walker join Manchester City for less than their £45million asking price, according to the Daily Star.
The newspaper claim that Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is playing hardball with his club’s Premier League rivals during what have been extensive talks over the transfer of Walker, 27.
The Star report that Levy is “standing firm for his top valuation” to ensure the right-back is sold for the top price and Tottenham get the best possible deal.
It is said that the much-anticipated transfer is now in some doubt as City weigh up whether to meet Spurs’ £45million valuation or pull out of talks.
Etihad Stadium manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly targeting two new right-backs this summer as he continues what is shaping up to be a mass overhaul of the squad that finished third in last season’s Premier League.
The Star report that City are closing in on the signing of Brazilian veteran Dani Alves, 34, from Juventus and he is expected to be next through the door following the earlier window signings of winger Bernardo Silva from Monaco for £43million and goalkeeper Ederson from Benfica for £35million.
Levy’s firm stance on Walker is slowing down the second right-back arrival but Guardiola is keen on the England international to be a City player by the end of this month.
The defender, who moved to White Hart Lane from boyhood club Sheffield United in 2009, lost his regular Spurs starting place at the end of 2016-17 as speculation intensified about his future and his form dipped.
Nevertheless, Walker was named by his peers in the PFA Premier League team of the season and is widely regarded as one of Europe’s outstanding right-backs.
He was a member of the England team that ended the 2016-17 season with a 2-2 World Cup qualifier draw against Scotland and a 3-2 friendly defeat to France in Paris.