Kyle Walker targeted for shock Premier League return in move no-one saw coming
Kyle Walker could seal a surprise return to the Premier League this month, with Everton reportedly keen on signing the former England defender from Burnley.
Walker moved to Turf Moor last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £5 million, with his signing intended to add much-needed Premier League experience to the Clarets squad.
But Burnley ultimately suffered relegation under Scott Parker, winning just four games all season and ending up 19 points adrift of safety.
Walker himself had a mixed season and it was expected that the 36-year-old would stay at Burnley to play Championship football this season.
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He started the Clarets' penalty shootout win over Notts County in the Carabao Cup on Saturday and captained the side, as well as scoring the winning spot kick.
New Burnley boss Nicky Hayen has even suggested Walker could shift inside and play at centre-back this season - a role he was used in for England whenever Gareth Southgate played a back three.
But according to The Sun, Everton are weighing up a surprise offer to bring him back to the Premier League instead.
Everton target Walker amid right-back crisis
It is reported that Walker is a target for the Toffees, and would move for a nominal fee if a transfer is completed. He has one year remaining on the contract he signed at the beginning of last season.
Everton have been pursuing a new right-back for several seasons and the patience among Everton fans over their lack of activity in that position is wearing thin.
Even new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, a lifelong Everton supporter, told GiveMeSport: "The signs are good but there is one thing that I would just ask: sign a right-back.
"We need a right-back. Poor old Jake [O'Brien] can't do another season at right-back. He's a good player; he's a great centre-back."
Everton do currently have a natural right-back in Nathan Patterson, but the former Rangers defender played just seven Premier League matches last season, is in the last year of his contract, and is expected to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.
The Toffees have been linked with moves for Celtic's Alistair Johnston and Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz, indicating that Walker would not be the only right-back arrival on the blue part of Merseyside if a deal is reached with Burnley.
Walker told reporters at the EFL's media day last week that he was 'very excited' to be playing in England's second tier for the first time since he played a key role in QPR's promotion in 2011, adding: "It's a different challenge for me personally but it's all about the club and bouncing back to the Premier League - that is vital.
"It's about your mentality. The lads have had a taste of the Premier League but we don't want to have a hangover and we want to make sure they are on the ball from the first minute.
"We have an obligation to be. To themselves, their team-mates, and also the fans that support this club."
Topics: Kyle Walker, Premier League, Transfer News, Burnley
Ryan Smart