England international Chloe Kelly was not named in Manchester City's squad for the Manchester derby amid loan negotiations.
The 26-year-old forward started in City's 3-0 FA Cup win over Ipswich last week but has not been named in the first Women's Super League game of 2025 at the Etihad against their local rivals.
Manager Gareth Taylor told Sky Sports that Kelly trained on Saturday but pulled out of the Derby due to an ankle injury.
A source told ESPN that Kelly has been in talks with City over a loan move in the January transfer window after growing concerns over a lack of game time. Her contract is set to expire in the summer, with negations over a new deal having stalled last year.
Kelly has only started one WSL game thus far and with England looking to defend their Euros crown July, Kelly is hoping for a move to ensure she is on the plane to Switzerland. Manager Sarina Wiegman has already expressed concerns over Kelly's lack of game time.
The Telegraph reported that Manchester United were looking to sign Kelly for the remaining six months of the season, however manager Marc Skinner would not comment.
Due to an injury to winger Lauren Hemp, City will be reluctant to let a senior player leave, with injuries to Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw and Alex Greenwood further complicating the situation.
ESPN Brasil reported that City are poised to sign National Women's Super League star Kerolin from North Carolina Courage on a real running until 2028, adding further concern for Kelly's potential game time.