Annie Kilner & Kyle Walker scupper ‘wind-up merchant’ Lauryn Goodman's plans – with Man City star’s former mistress accused of ‘harassment’

England international defender Walker has informed Manchester City of his desire to move on, with it possible that a transfer elsewhere will be sanctioned in the January window. It was initially suggested that the 34-year-old could join Cristiano Ronaldo and Co in the Saudi Pro League.

Amid rumours of a switch to the Middle East being made, it was claimed that Walker’s former mistress Goodman – who has reportedly requested permission to rent out the home that the father of her two children funds – was ready to explore the option of relocating to Dubai.

Walker, though, appears set to remain in Europe – with Serie A giants AC Milan one of his suitors – and a source has told the Daily Mail of getting one over on Goodman: “Kyle is looking at a couple of teams in Europe, he won't be going to Saudi despite all of the talk that he is. There has been a lot of speculation that he was heading there. There were even rumours that Annie was looking at schools there for their four children.

“You have to wonder whether Lauryn was planning a move to Dubai because she thought that Kyle and Annie were off to the Middle East too. She has form for winding them up, particularly Annie, but it hasn't worked as they have no intention of going there.

“It wasn't long ago that Lauryn went to Cheshire and got herself papped outside estate agents to make Annie think she would be moving there. She thinks Lauryn is a total wind-up merchant and believes it is harassment.”

The insider went on to say that Walker will “continue to adopt the same fair position he took in court regarding his financial responsibilities” to the kids that he fathered with former Love Island contestent Goodman, but he is ready for a fresh start.

The Mail’s source added: “A change is as good as a rest and it would be the best thing for them to go off and start again abroad, so they can make new memories and try to leave some of the awful times behind. It is so appealing and is actually understandable why Kyle decided to request the permission to look at going overseas. Obviously though, they just hope Lauryn doesn't follow them there.”

Walker would appear to be making progress in efforts to save his marriage to long-term partner Kilner, with it reported that – after spending Christmas together – he has moved back into the couple’s Cheshire mansion as divorce proceedings that were set in motion during the autumn of 2024 are put on hold.