The Manchester City star insists Kyle Walker's departure would be a “MASSIVE” blow, after the club captain told Pep Guardiola of his desire to “explore opportunities abroad” in an explosive transfer request.

A Manchester City star has insisted Kyle Walker would be missed “hugely” if he leaves the club in the January transfer window.

The City captain was a notable omission from the team that thrashed Salford City 8-0 in the FA Cup third round match on Saturday, with Pep Guardiola revealing after the game Walker's intentions to seek pastures new this month.

Walker's departure could be a further blow to City's dwindling title hopes, and one of his defensive colleagues has now expressed his fear of losing such a key figure in the dressing room.

When asked if Walker's leadership would be a loss, Dutch defender Nathan Ake replied: “Hugely so.” He is a great player for us, a great character.

“He's a good guy too, I'm very good (friends) with him.” Let's see what happens. “There's no doubt he's been a great player for us.”

Walker has been at the heart of City's trophy-laden era under Guardiola, having won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup in seven brilliant seasons at the Etihad. .

Kyle Walker, who has submitted a transfer request, has been a staple of Manchester City's defense since arriving for £45million from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.

He has won everything at City, including the club's first Champions League title in 2022.

Pep Guardiola revealed Walker's intentions to leave the club after City's 8-0 win over Salford

And while frequent errors have put Walker under the microscope this season, Ake is quick to come to his captain's defense.

“It's huge for us over the years,” he added. 'This year too, a great character on the team. “He deserves a lot of praise for all the years he has been an outstanding player at this club.”

City's future stars were on display against Salford, with youngsters Nico O'Reilly, 19, and Divin Mubama, 20, scoring before James McAtee, 22, scored a hat-trick in the second half to complete. the beating

Ake, the foundation of City's next generation, hopes the team's more experienced bosses can continue to nurture the club's budding talent.

“We have a good combination of young players,” he said. 'You'll see (against Salford) there are a lot of young players.

“We also have older players so there is a good mix at the moment and the club has always been good at finding the right balance between ages.” “I'm sure they will continue to do so.”