TalkSPORT understands Kyle Walker has told Saudi Pro League bosses he wants to stay in Europe.
The Manchester City right-back is believed to have rejected a reported £400,000-a-week offer to play in the Middle East.
5
Pep Guardiola revealed in a bombshell message at the weekend that Walker had asked to leave the Etihad this month, with AC Milan his preferred destination.
Talks between City and the Italian giants are expected to intensify this week.
AC Milan are offering the England international a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Speaking to The Pitch Prospect, Guardiola explained that the 34-year-old wants to end his career abroad.
He said after the 8-0 FA Cup win over Salford City: “Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the possibility of playing abroad at the end of his career. He asked for the triple two years ago.”
“Bayern Munich wanted him, but the offer wasn’t good enough,” he said.
“I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this? We cannot understand the success the club has had these years without Kyle.”
“That’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he was great.”
“But now his mind wants to explore another country. That’s why I prefer to play against other players whose thoughts are here, that’s all.”
Ahead of Tuesday night’s Premier League game against Brentford in London, Guardiola added that there was “no news” about the defender.
5
5
5
Asked whether he will be in City’s squad for the trip to west London, Guardiola replied: “I will decide after training.”
“I said what I said, I won’t go into anything else. I don’t have any news so I’m thinking Brentford.”
The Spaniard also added that although the mood is “better” and his team has “improved”, there is still a lot to do.
He said: “We have to wait and see, of course the mood is better and tomorrow we have an extremely difficult game.” Thomas [Frank] creates many problems.
While Walker appears to be on the way to leaving the club, two new arrivals are likely to arrive in defender Abdukodir Khusanov and striker Omar Marmoush.
The Pitch Prospect understands a £33million move has been agreed with Ligue 1 side Lens for centre-back Khusanov.
5
But when pressed for comment, Guardiola remained tight-lipped about the transfer, saying only: “The club has not announced anything.”
Meanwhile, City are also closing in on the £60million signing of Eintracht Franlfurt star Marmoush.
The 25-year-old has scored 14 Bundesliga goals and seven assists in 16 German first division games this season.
Only Harry Kane has scored more league goals [15] as the Egyptian international this season.