Man City start search for Kyle Walker replacement with Nottingham Forest star on transfer wishlist
NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Ola Aina is on Manchester City’s wishlist as they cast a net for Kyle Walker’s long-term replacement.
Nigerian international Aina, 28, has been a stand-out Premier League ever-present in Nottingham Forest’s stellar season.
Forest snapped him up on a free when he was released by Italian side Torino last year.
They are keen to tie him down quickly as his contract runs out at the end of this season.
The full-back, a product of Chelsea’s academy, has not been angling for a move and is hugely popular with City Ground fans.
But the Southwark-born star would find it hard to ignore interest from City.
And his ability to play on either flank suits Guardiola.
Walker has been a City mainstay for seven years but at 34 has finally shown signs of his age this term.
And Brighton’s brilliant young midfielder Carlos Baleba will also be on the radar of Pep Guardiola.
Baleba, 20, is another Brighton signing who was something of an unknown when they paid £23million to Lille for him last season.
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He has a growing list of admirers but a contract that runs until 2028 means he would not come cheap.
Meanwhile, Ederson could leave at the end of the season — with sources claiming City would listen to offers around £25m.
The keeper, 31, turned down the chance to head to Saudi Arabia last summer after a plea from Pep.
Yet with one more season on his contract, City will not stand in his way if they can get the right fee.
Guardiola would look to bring in a new stopper but also hand more chances to current back-up Stefan Ortega — and extend his terms beyond 2026.