'Deal agreed' for Man City exit with medical planned as ex-Man Utd star 'rejects' transfer

Manchester City have agreed a deal to let legendary captain and six-time Premier League winner Kyle Walker leave the club to join Italian heavyweights AC Milan.

Italian transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that the 34-year-old will move to AC Milan on a six-month loan deal until the end of the season, with the San Siro giants covering all of the defender's wages. AC Milan had considered a move for Marcus Rashford but swayed away from a deal once they became aware of Walker’s desire to leave the Etihad.

Romano posted on X: “AC Milan have agreed a deal to sign Kyle Walker from Man City, here we go! Loan move with buy option clause not mandatory, salary covered by AC Milan with contract agreed. Travel and medical being planned. Manchester City’s captain ready for new chapter.”

Why is Kyle Walker leaving Manchester City?

City boss Pep Guardiola confirmed that Kyle Walker handed in a transfer request shortly after the team’s 8-0 victory against Salford in the FA Cup. The Spaniard, who dropped Walker from the squad for the cup contest, told reporters: "Two days ago, Kyle asked to explore the options to play abroad at the end of his career. In his [Walker's] mind, he would like to explore it, to go to another country, to play the last years [somewhere else] for many reasons.For that reason, I prefer playing other players whose mind is here."

Walker has helped City win 17 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, since joining the club in a £50m deal from switch Tottenham in 2017. The England international was the subject of rampant interest from Bayern Munich in 2023 but ultimately stuck around for a further season to lift an historic fourth consecutive title.

He is widely regarded as one of the very best right-backs of his generation but has struggled to match his incredibly high standards in recent months, in what has been a difficult period for the Sheffield-born defender.

Guardiola paid tribute to Walker for his efforts and claimed at the time that he wouldn’t stand in his way if he wished to leave, he added: “We cannot understand the success we've had these years without Kyle. It's impossible. 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."

Paul Pogba rejects offer to return to football

Former Manchester United midfielder and one-time world-record transfer holder Paul Pogba has revealed that he has turned down an offer to return to football with an unnamed Russian club.

The France international, who made 233 appearances for the Red Devils after making the £89m move in 2016, ultimately left Old Trafford on a free transfer in 2022 after a hugely disappointing final season. He joined former club Juventus on a free transfer but after playing just eight league games now finds himself without a club after an 18-month ban for failing a drugs test.

The 31-year-old is seeking a return to club football but claims that Russia was the wrong destination for him at this stage of his career, as per AmineMaTueTV.

The 2018 World Cup winner said: “There are offers, some interesting, others less so... Russia, yes, there were proposals, but that's not my goal. We have other objectives. A club that plays in the Champions League? Why not? If such an offer comes, of course, why not? We always strive for the best clubs. Ultimately, it's not just about me; there are many other factors involved.”