Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce calls for Phil Foden loan exit

Former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has claimed that Phil Foden should push for a loan move away from the Etihad Stadium.

While the academy graduate is highly regarded by Pep Guardiola, the young Englishman has been provided with just one start and three brief substitute outings since the start of the season.

Guardiola has insisted that the England Under-21 international will not be allowed to leave on a temporary basis, but Pearce says that regular football elsewhere would do the playmaker "the world of good".

Pearce told talkSPORT: "In January, he really needs to look at where he is at the moment. Game time is absolutely vital for a player of his age.

"He's coming to that age where he needs to play some games. I think six months out on loan, if he hasn't broken into the team, would do him the world of good. Guardiola loves the kid to bits, but the bottom line is, you've got to play."

Foden has a contract with the Premier League champions until 2024.