Guardiola: Walker has asked to leave Man City

Pep Guardiola has revealed that defender Kyle Walker has asked to leave champions Manchester City and "expressed an interest to go and play abroad".

England international Walker was left out of Man City's matchday squad for Saturday's FA Cup third round win over Salford City despite being fit and available to feature.

“It’s not easy to say because he should say but he’s not here," Guardiola told Man City's official website. “Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.

“He asked two years ago after [winning the] Treble, Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer wasn’t good enough.

“We cannot understand the success we had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He has been amazing.

“In his mind, he would like to explore to go to another country for many reasons. For that reason I prefer playing other players whose mind is here."

Walker, who has won 15 trophies since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2017, has made 410 Premier League appearances overall, and kept 130 clean sheets.

However Guardiola insisted that the departure of Walker, who has not started the past four matches, is not a forgone conclusion.

“He went to Txiki [Begiristain]. He asked to explore. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen," he added.

“We are more than grateful. He arrived many years ago and we win, win, win. He wants to explore in his mind and heart. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

* all competitions

Following their emphatic 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City, Man City turn their attention back to Premier League action, and a trip to Brentford on Tuesday 14 January.

Guardiola's side are in sixth spot, 12 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played one match less.