Manchester United want to sign Chloe Kelly on a loan deal from rivals Manchester City, with the England forward set to miss Sunday evening’s derby game at the Etihad.

Kelly, who is out of contract this summer, has struggled for game time this season, starting only once in the Women’s Super League – against West Ham United in October – and making just six appearances in total.

Kelly scored the winning goal in England’s European Championship final triumph over Germany at Wembley in 2022, but Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman has admitted that the forward’s lack of minutes for her club was a “concern”. Kelly knows regular football is a must if she is to ensure her place in the England squad for Euro 2025.

“It’s a concern right now already,” Wiegman said in November. “It’s a hard situation. Chloe knows that she is not in the best position with her club at the moment.”

United are keen to agree a short-term deal for Kelly and it is understood she will not be part of the City squad to play against them in the WSL on Sunday.

Kelly and City reached an impasse over new contract talks last year and it is understood her relationship with manager Gareth Taylor has fractured over the past 12 months.

City are set to strengthen their squad with the signing of Brazilian forward Kerolin, while German international Jule Brand is another attacking player City are trying to bring in.

Should those signings be finalised, it would mean even more competition for places.

But whether City are willing to sell or loan the player out to a rival remains to be seen. United are only a point behind them in the WSL table and could go above them if they win on Sunday.

It is unlikely Kelly will remain at City beyond this season and she would be available to sign on a free transfer this summer.