'I'm such a talented manager' - Pep Guardiola vows to 'find right solution' after Kyle Walker transfer request as Man City boss makes sarcastic 'so clever' boast

Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in the January window and Guardiola confirmed after the club's FA Cup win over Salford on Saturday that the full-back has handed in a transfer request. Serie A giants AC Milan are the favourites to land the defender, who also has offers from the Saudi Pro League.

On Monday, La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that City are willing to let Walker leave on a free transfer this month despite him having 18 months left on his current deal. As a goodwill gesture, the English champions have decided to honour their skipper's request and will not charge any transfer fee.

In an interaction with the media, the Cityzens boss was asked about the 34-year-old's transfer request and in response Guardiola said with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek: "I'm so clever. I'm such a talented manager to find the right solution. Kyle is our player right now - that is all. We have the option. I don't know what's going to happen. I don't have anything else [to add] - and Brentford is on my mind."

Manchester City will be back in action in the Premier League on Tuesday as they take on Brentford in a difficult Premier League away fixture.