Man City sent fresh transfer plea as 'colossal' Kyle Walker nears exit

Pep Guardiola has revealed that Kyle Walker wants to leave Manchester City, to explore his options for playing abroad - but Manchester Evening News readers in our comments section don't think the club have done enough to secure his successor at right-back.

Walker was left out of the ruthless FA Cup demolition of Salford City, with Guardiola saying in his post-match press conference that the captain was ready to leave. Pep said: "Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad. He asked two years ago after the Treble, Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer was not good enough.

"I respect [Walker] a lot because I'm more than grateful since he has been many years for us. His first season here, we started to win, win, win, win, win. He's been important for the national team and important for our team but he said that 'I want to explore, my mind and my heart and I want to explore it'. I don't know what's going to happen."

Guardiola has insisted that he does not want his stretched squad to become even smaller, and reinforcements are set to start coming in with Abdukodir Khusanov due to join the club this month from RC Lens. Some fans fear that the timing of a departure - if it is imminent - will further impact a team that has struggled with a lack of defensive options.

Reader Bluesince1955 says: "How can the timing feel right when we are in the middle of a defensive injury crisis and Walker is the only full back in the club? Not necessarily blaming Kyle here, but what on earth have the club been thinking, transfer strategy-wise, since winning the Treble (without Walker towards the end) in not finding long term successors to both him and Rodri?"

Cityfan68 writes: "Kyle, if it's true you are leaving I thank you for