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."

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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 8 wonderful years, and your part in 15 trophies. When you arrived from Spurs I'm probably right in saying you had none, now you go as one of the most decorated players ever. I think Manu Akanji can fill in at RB but needs Ruben close to him if up against a tricky LW."

Kebabsalesman says: "Disappointed with Kyle's decision, as we need all hands to the pump at the moment. End of season would have been better. Pace has been a big part in Kyle's game and he's been off it this season, he's been a big part of our success for the past 8 years, so big thanks for that. Let's see what happens in Jan."

Others are full of praise for a key player who's been a part of a hugely successful team. KINKLADZE writes: "Kyle Walker has been an absolute colossus for City, one of the best defenders we've ever had, he has given everything for the club, always gives his all, a true professional. I wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do, thank you for your service and loyalty Mr Walker, you've won it all, how many players can say that?"

LC60 says: "To have had this man in his pomp was a gift. Vinicius, Mbappe, Neymar, even Messi have seen the inside of Kyle's pocket. In a perfect world, he would have gone at the end of the season, with at least one more trophy. There are very few fairytale endings in football, and I'm not going to use this as an opportunity to 'diss' one of, if not, the best fullback in Premier League history."

Have your say! Should Kyle Walker stick around until the summer? Or should a player who wants to leave be allowed to go immediately? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.