Saudi Arabia trio circle for transfer of Manchester City defender THIS MONTH | OneFootball

Manchester City’s club captain Kyle Walker is at the centre of widespread transfer interest from Saudi Arabia this month, according to reports.

The 34-year-old has significantly struggled to hit the same heights he has become known for during his time at Manchester City, costing his teammates on several occasions with lapses of judgement and ageing legs in transition.

Whilst retaining the captain’s armband, as voted by the Manchester City squad during the first few weeks of the ongoing season, Walker has remained confident that both he and the team can return to their previous heights and bring success to the club in the near future.

But it remains to be seen whether Walker will be a part of that future beyond this season, particularly given City’s intent on a rebuild of their squad and the number of fresh opportunities that are likely to be put to the England international in the transfer market.

The Sheffield-born defender has made no secret of his willingness to close out his career at Bramall Lane, however it remains to be seen whether Sheffield United could finance a proposal that satisfies all parties.

In the meantime, interest is growing further afield.

That is according to the information of The Sun’s Martin Blackburn, who reports that Kyle Walker remains a big January transfer target for clubs in Saudi Arabia, with all of Al-Nassr, Al-Ahli and Al-Ittihad keen on talking to the Manchester City captain over a transfer.

However, it is clarified that a move away from the Etihad Stadium is more likely in the summer transfer window than during the ongoing January market as Pep Guardiola’s squad continues to battle a number of fitness and injury problems.

One defensive arrival remains a primary target for Manchester City in recent days and weeks, as the Premier League champions look to fund an agreement with Ligue 1 side Lens for highly-rated Uzbek centre-back, Abdukodir Khusanov.

The 20-year-old has earned himself rave reviews with his performances in the French top-flight, with City standing alongside Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in showing interest, while Real Madrid have been reported as admirers.

Super-agent Jorge Mendes has been handed a mandate by the French club to bring a suitable deal to the table and raise the necessary funds required by Lens to remain economically balanced this month and into the future.