KYLE WALKER hopes to stay at Manchester City amid reported interest from Aston Villa and AC Milan.
City have made no indication of extending the contract of the 32-year-old England right-back beyond next summer.
And Etihad chief Pep Guardiola has openly claimed that Walker cannot play in his new system.
But it’s understood the 76-cap star would still prefer to see out the final year of his £150,000-a-week deal.
Walker’s admirers might also be put off by a possible fee of up to £25million for the ex-Tottenham ace.
Nonetheless, the Daily Star say Villa have joined a string of clubs showing interest in him.
READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
Walker has lost his regular City place this season, although Guardiola has stressed it’s down to tactics not form.
The Etihad chief now plays with two full-backs who can move inwards to virtually become midfielders when the title favourites press forward.
Guardiola said: “He cannot do it. To play inside you have to make some educated movements.
“He has other characteristics. He will always have pace. He will be the fastest in this room at 60 years old.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“The reason why is tactical. It’s not because we lost faith in Kyle.”
Guardiola toned down that verdict by adding: “He can play coming inside and he has done it many times, but like in the position he will maybe need time to do it and we don’t have time.”
And he even softened his clear opinion further by not ruling out a future role for Walker.
He said: “What they have to do is two things. Don’t complain or there will be a problem. And try to do it better and better so when I need them, they will be ready.
“Look at Nathan Ake this season. Last season he didn’t play one minute and now he is undroppable.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
