Kyle Walker has chosen this moment to talk about his retirement plans and reiterate his hope to end a stellar career at Sheffield United where it all began for him. With just over a year remaining on his contract at Burnley, who are heading back to the Championship, it sounds very much as if the former England right-back, who won 96 caps, is making a play for his future. Walker, 36 in May, would be a huge building block for Blades boss Chris Wilder who will be planning a serious promotion push next season.

Summary:

1. Following the recent Steel City Derby victory, conversations have emerged regarding Kyle Walker's future.
2. Walker has long expressed a desire to return to Sheffield United, where his career began.
3. Concerns exist about the potential impact of signing an experienced player like Walker on younger talent.
4. On the flip side, Walker's extensive experience and achievements would provide invaluable mentorship for younger players at Bramall Lane..

Shortly after the Steel City Derby win at Bramall Lane, I was told that a conversation had taken place between Kyle Walker and Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder.

The source wasn't a familiar one, and so what I learned never saw the light of day.

But Walker was in the dressing room consoling Calvin Phillips after his red card.

Rush of blood to the head.

Now it's beginning to look like the tip off, true or not, may have legs.

Walker is clearly paving the way for a last hurrah by making public his thoughts on retirement and reminding everyone once again where he wants to finish his glittering career.

Burnley, where Walker has just over a year of his 24 month contract remaining, will be rivals for Sheffield United in the Championship next season.

They may see an opportunity to offload his reported £75,000 a week wages and recoup some, if not all of the bargain £5 million they paid Manchester City for him, believed to be a trade off to help meet his salary and a transfer fee more than affordable at the lane.

For his part, Walker, 36 in May, has long since maintained that a return to where it all started as a six year old and wearing the red and white stripes once more is his perfect finale.

It's always been a dream to play for Sheffield United again, he reminded recently.

To start there at 6 years old and then leaving at 19.

I spent so many incredible years there.

I hope to play for them again.

I don't know when that will be.

I don't know if they will want me.

We on the right side of the Pennines know the answer to that, but it will have to be sooner rather than later.

The clock is ticking for the right back who recently announced his retirement from international football.

So no one will be surprised if arguably the greatest Blades Academy find Harry Maguire may have something to say about that.

Is a stellar recruit in Wilder's summer preparations to launch a serious promotion assault next season.

Other teams possibly newly promoted to the Premier League, such as Frank Lampard's Coventry City who look set to make the leap, might be interested too.

The prospect of remaining in the top tier may be a temptation too great, but the pull of his home town club and that long held dream will also hold sway.

So what are the pros and cons of signing someone of Walker's age?

Well, as far as I can see there is only one minus Femi Siriki, another academy talent who has burst onto the first team seen this season establishing himself as an attacking right back might have one or two reservations.

Siriki is the future and blocking his development along with other candidates at right back to accommodate someone who is on a grand farewell could be viewed as a minus, but this is Kyle Walker we are talking about.

A man with six Premier League winners medals, one Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups and 96 England caps.

He has played in a World cup semi final and two Euro finals.

Set aside the emotion that he is a lifetime Blades fan born within a drive and a five iron from the lane.

There are so many pluses.

Wages wouldn't be a problem as Walker will be fully aware of the pay structure at the club.

If he wants to play for United again then that is something he will be prepared to accept.

At his peak for Manchester City, Walker was often compared over short distances to world record busting sprinter Usain Bolt.

Walker was clocked exceedingly 23 miles per hour.

Not quite up there with Bolt, but he remained the man to beat on top level football pitches into his early 30s.

The legs are not what they used to be, but by most players standards half his age, Walker is still quick.

He has an impressive fitness record too which is key.

Sitting midfield man Tom Davies is still in my opinion the most gifted player on United's books, but his chronic injury record has prevented the team exploiting a huge talent with valuable know how.

Gleaned in the top tier with Everton, Walker has experience at the highest level only a few could dream of.

A drop down to the championship would be meat and drink.

I always thought Norton was the better of the two at right back, which just goes to show what I know.

After falling out of favour with City boss Pep Guardiola, he asked to leave joining AC Milan for the second half of last season on loan.

In the summer he signed a two year deal at Burnley, newly promoted to the top flight, reportedly taking a 100,000 pound pay cut.

Jumping the gun should United win promotion next season with Walker on board and assuming he can maintain fitness, who is to say there wouldn't be one last season in the top flight for him again.

The prospect of taking United back to the Premier League because it's almost nailed on he would be captain must pull at the heartstrings.

Returning to the question of blocking the pathway for younger players if used in rotation.

Imagine the huge wealth of experience he could pass on not only to those who play it right back, but but across the whole squad as a dressing room presence.

So the minus becomes another plus.

It's also a signal to other possible quality recruits of United's ambition.

It wasn't difficult, but all the same, I've convinced myself Walker, if available, would be a great signing.

Bring it on.

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Thanks again and speak soon.

Sam.