Manchester City striker Chloe Kelly has been linked with a shock loan move to local rivals Manchester United, a report suggests.
Kelly was left out of City’s squad to face United at the Etihad Stadium, with earlier reports suggesting the striker could make a surprise loan move to the team’s Manchester rivals.
The Euro 2022 winner, who has started just one WSL game this season, is out of contract in the summer and expected to leave. Possible January catch with the Brazilian national team member Karolinafree agent after leaving the North Carolina Courage, would only increase the competition for spots.
The Telegraph has reported that Kelly, 27, is “open to a move” to United until the end of the 2024/25 season, which would be a shock transfer window change.
Despite the speculation, City head coach Gareth Taylor was quick to dismiss any suggestion that Kelly’s omission from the squad was linked to her potential departure – “I don’t know anything about that”.
The head coach said Sky Sports that Kelly trained with the team over the weekend but withdrew with an “ankle injury” ahead of the derby. United manager Marc Skinner also refused to add to the speculation, adding that it would be “dishonest” for him to discuss another club’s player.
Taylor’s side put in a desperate performance at the Etihad Stadium, after atrocious defensive errors gave United a 4-2 win and Manchester bragging rights. City were badly affected by the absence of Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Alex Greenwood, and the Red Devils bled when they got the chance.
The club have made just two signings so far in the January transfer window, quickly snapping up defender Rebecca Knaak from FC Rosengard, before securing Japanese midfielder Aemu Oyama.
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