The European giants hoping to signal Kyle Walker after he surprised Man City by telling the membership he desires to go away – with THREE Saudi sides additionally

The frontrunners for Kyle Walker‘s signature after the Manchester City star asked to leave the club to go and play abroad have been revealed as European and global giants circle.

Walker was absent from City’s matchday squad for their 8-0 FA Cup third round thrashing of lower league rivals Salford despite being fit and available for selection.

City boss Pep Guardiola initially suggested the team captain wasn’t selected for tactical reasons before confirming after Saturday’s cup win that Walker had spoke to him and asked to leave to ‘explore opportunities abroad’.

Now the clubs that are attempting to recruit the England international have been revealed with AC Milan the latest to join the mix for Walker.

The Italian giant are taking solid interest in Premier League talents this month with their interest in Walker also backed by their communication with Marcus Rashford’s camp to bring the Man United star to Milan.

Walker has previously signalled interest in leaving City concluding a stint that has seen him win six Premier League titles and the Champions League amongst several other major club honours.

His prolific reputation as one of the world’s best defenders has also continued to capture the interest of Saudi Arabian sides with a host of heavy-spending teams including Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Al Ahli all showing interest.

Walker could decide to follow his former City team-mate Riyad Mahrez to the oil-rich kingdom and wouldn’t be short of suitors who could offer the veteran a massive payday as he enters the twilight years of his career. 

The 34-year-old is unlikely to attract a long-term offer from an elite club given his age but could sign a shorter contract with competing Champions League club as Bayern Munich consider making another approach after previously being rejected by Walker.

Guardiola confirmed Walker’s desire to leave the reigning English champions after City’s win over Salford, stating: ‘Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career.

‘He asked two years ago after the Treble. Bayern Munich wanted him but the offer was not good enough. I asked him, the club asked him, how important is this?

‘We cannot understand the success the club had these years without Kyle. It’s impossible. He gave us something we didn’t have and he’s been amazing.

‘But now in his mind he would like to explore to go to another country. For that reason, I prefer to play other players whose mind is here, that’s all.’

Furthermore, the 34-year-old has taken matters into his own hands to try and seal his exit this month.

‘He went to the club,’ Guardiola added.

‘I’m pretty convinced that there is no one person in our job that doesn’t want to be where they are can perform.

‘He’s asking to explore [his options] so it may not happen, we don’t know, you never know. Explore the situation and I respect a lot. I am more than grateful what he has done for many years for us.

‘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.’

‘Did I want to leave City? No, of course I didn’t. We’re the best team in the world at the minute. But it was a chance to get away from England and the media I was going to get.

‘I was aware the clock was ticking. I came very close to moving. We were having conversations. I was going to a great club, a massive club. But in the end I couldn’t go.’

Guardiola’s public declaration that Walker is now pushing for an escape route increases the pressure to see if a deal can be agreed for a player that will turn 35 before the season is out.

Mail Online reported on Friday that Walker’s wife Annie Kilner is reportedly considering taking back their impending £27million divorce and has moved the star back into the marital home.

The WAG, 33, served Walker, 34, with divorce papers in October and kicked him out of the property after she discovered he had secretly fathered a second child with his ex Lauryn Goodman, 33.

Sources say Annie, who was pregnant with their fourth child when Lauryn dropped the bombshell, is now having second thoughts about their split and is ‘quietly working on her relationship with Kyle behind the scenes‘. 

The insider told MailOnline: ‘The couple are committed to keeping their family as united as possible and protecting their four boys from any fallout. 

‘They enjoyed Christmas together, as a family, and continue to work on their own relationship but as yet no decisions have been made. 

‘They would love time and peace away from the spotlight and rumours to be able to continue working on things behind the scenes.

They added: ‘There is so much speculation and scrutiny on whether Kyle and Annie will get through this phase of their marriage but as it stands nothing much has changed since the situation blew up a year ago.’ 

The insider also insisted claims Annie would stay with Walker for purely financial reasons are not true, amid links with a lucrative move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

The couple made a very public statement as they rang in the New Year together.

The pair were seen wearing matching pyjamas in the Instagram update with their sons Roman, 12, Riaan, eight, Reign, six, and five-month-old Rezon.

Sharing the new snap to his Story on Sunday, Walker wrote: ‘Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.’

A fellow football WAG, who is close to the family, told MailOnline last month: ‘Kyle and Annie are putting their marital problems aside to celebrate Christmas with their children.

‘They are the pairs’ priority and they want to be able to bring Christmas joy into the household for their young family.

‘This involves having both parents there. Whilst Annie bears the brunt of looking after the family, Kyle is hands on with his four boys and they adore him.

‘The talks continue between the two at what their future looks like but for now it’s all about their children and what is best for them.

‘Annie is a strong woman who just wants to see her boys happy, she will do anything for them but she hasn’t forgotten what Kyle has done. This is about the kids, and the kids only.’

Meanwhile, it was revealed by Lauryn that the football ace didn’t get any Christmas presents for their children, Kairo and Kinara.

The reality star also hit out at Annie by re-posting a message from a fan branding Walker’s estranged wife his ‘ball and chain’.

During an Instagram Q&A she was asked: ‘Did ‘that’ even attempt to buy the kids for Christmas or even a card or does the ball and chain not allow?’

Lauryn replied: ‘You said it…’

Walker is hoping that Lauryn will stop ‘goading’ him on social media in the new year as he claims the reality star is using his name to stay in the spotlight.

The footballer has seemingly hit back amid backlash after it was revealed he didn’t send their two children Christmas presents this year.

While the footballer didn’t give Kairo or Kinara any presents, Walker is committed to supporting them financially.

An insider told MailOnline: ‘Kyle’s never been involved in the kids’ celebrations and not brought gifts, except for a coat for Kairo a few years ago.

‘The latest story seems like Lauryn using his name to stay in the spotlight.’

They added: ‘He’s not part of Lauryn’s kids’ daily lives but supports them financially—paying for their house, school, and more.

‘Kyle and Annie just want to put all this behind them in 2025 and move on without the drama. They hope that Lauryn will do the same instead of goading them on social media.’