Kyle Walker to suffer immediate blow for AC Milan after Man City transfer breakthrough

Kyle Walker's debut for AC Milan is set to be delayed until February due to expected delays in finalizing his work permit. The England full-back is set to join the Serie A heavyweights after agreeing a loan deal which could potentially become permanent at the end of the season.

However, he will not take part in this weekend's clash against Parma as his EU paperwork is unlikely to be processed in time – a delay attributed to Brexit.

Milan have reportedly agreed to foot the bill for Walker's £175,000-a-week salary during his time at San Siro, following his request to leave Manchester City earlier this month.

The 34-year-old rejected several other offers before opting for Milan, on the condition that they offer him a two-year deal if he impresses in the coming months.

Walker, who is due to meet his new colleagues on Friday after flying to Italy for a medical on Thursday, has struggled to maintain his form at City this season. Pep Guardiola expressed his surprise at Walker's transfer request ahead of their recent FA Cup win over Salford.

However, City respect the wishes of players wanting to move on, and Walker, who still harbors ambitions to be in England's World Cup squad next year, has turned down offers from others. clubs, including those in the Saudi Pro League, before deciding on Milan.

Guardiola revealed the reasons for Walker's potential departure a fortnight ago, saying: “It's not easy for me to say, but Kyle is not here because two days ago he asked to explore the possibility of playing abroad.

“He asked after the treble, when Bayern wanted him, but the offer was not good enough. For this reason, I prefer to play against other players whose spirit is here. Kyle went to Txiki Begiristain .Maybe I'm wrong but I'm pretty confident that you shouldn't keep anyone who doesn't want to be here.

“Kyle asked to explore. That doesn't mean it's going to happen, you never know. I respect him a lot because I'm beyond grateful. He's been here for us for many years. He's been important to the national team but he said: “I want to explore, in my mind and in my heart, I want to explore it.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City have wasted no time in strengthening their squad, having already revamped their defense this month with the signings of Vitor Reis from Palmeiras for £29.6 million and Abdukodir Khusanov from Lens for £34 million.

The club also confirmed the capture of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.

This article was first published in the Daily Mirror.