Kyle Walker close to joining European giant as ‘green light received’

Following Manchester City's 8-0 win over Salford in the FA Cup last weekend, manager Pep Guardiola was asked about the right-back.

He confirmed that Walker had requested a transfer away from the current Premier League Champions.

The 34-year-old had been left out of City's squad for Saturday's game at the Etihad, and when questioned on his absence, Guardiola said: "Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.

"In his [Walker's] mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years [somewhere else] for many reasons.

"For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose mind is here."

According to Fabrizio Romano, AC Milan received the initial green light from Kyle Walker to join on Friday and that talks are set to take place between the two clubs over the next 24 to 48 hours to finalise the deal and proceed with formal steps.

It has been reported that Milan are considering offering the England international a two-and-a-half year contract.

The former Spurs defender was close to joining Bayern Munich after City's treble win in 2023, but signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2026.

Since joining City for a fee of £50m in 2017,  Walker has helped them win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.

"We cannot understand the success we've had these years without Kyle," Guardiola added. "It's impossible.

"He arrived eight years ago with us and we start to win, win, win, win and he has been important for the national team and of course with our team.

"But he has said he wants to explore in his mind and in his heart and wants to explore it. Honestly? I don't know what is going to happen."