Pep Guardiola drops transfer bombshell and reveals Man City star has 'asked to leave'

Pep Guardiola has dropped a surprising transfer bombshell by revealing one of his Manchester City players has asked to explore options elsewhere.

On Saturday evening, City produced a brilliant display as they thrashed League Two outfit Salford City in the FA Cup third round at the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Divin Mubama, Nico O'Reilly, Jack Grealish, a brace from Jeremy Doku plus a hat-trick from James McAtee secured a massive 8-0 win and City's place in the next round.

Prior to the match, it was revealed that Kyle Walker was left out of the City squad despite being fit to play.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola revealed that Walker had asked to explore options of a potential transfer away this month.

As per The Athletic's Sam Lee, who wrote on social media: "Guardiola explains Walker's absence: "Well...Two days ago Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad and end his career.""

Walker's performances have been heavily scrutinised this season after City experienced a rare drop in form.

Kyle Walker was left out of Manchester City's squad to take on Salford City in the FA Cup. Image: Getty

During the summer transfer window, the full-back was constantly linked with a move to German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich but chose to stay with City.

Speaking back in September, Walker revealed he was close to leaving.

He said: "Decisions can be made, things can turn. It was close but in football things can happen. It wasn't meant to be.

"Would I have enjoyed the experience? Of course I would, but this is a great club and you can't underestimate what this club has done in the last six or seven years.

"Why should I walk away if I am going to get enough game time that's right for me? That is all I want. In the back of my head I always wanted to play for Manchester City but I had to do what was right for me and my future. It was just about which club gave me the years in my contract to play football at the highest level."