Chloe Kelly states her future ‘is not at Manchester City’ in exit plea post shared before January transfer deadline

CHLOE KELLY admits she does not see herself being a Manchester City player beyond this June.

The England ace opened up on "dreams" being "crushed" and concerns for her "mental wellbeing" in a message shared via Instagram. 

Kelly, 27, who is one of the WSL's most high profile players, has been the subject of speculation concerning her Man City future.

This followed England's tournament-winning goalscorer at the 2022 Euros, falling down the pecking order at the Cityzens. 

Last term Kelly made 21 top-flight appearances starting in 18 of those games registering five goals and five assists with the team finishing second on goal difference.

The forward, who began her senior club career at Arsenal in 2015 before a 2016 Everton switch and a City move in 2020, helped the Cityzens to league and FA Cup wins.

However this season she has started in just one of the 12 WSL games played by Gareth Taylor's side.

Her most recent start for the team this month was in their FA Cup fourth-round 3-0 defeat of Ipswich on January 12.

And Kelly's current contract with the club she joined in July 2020 expires in June.

With this year's Euros less than six months away, the forward hopes to be in a position to fight for England squad selection.

Via a post published on her social media accounts on Wednesday night, Kelly wrote: "From day one, I've felt so much love from my team-mates and the fans. 

"With my contract expiring in June I've accepted that my future is not at this club beyond then. 

"With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. 

"Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so."

Kelly, who last February was linked with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, is thought to be a January transfer target for Man United.

The WSL's window for transfers this winter closes at 11:00pm on January 30.

Earlier this month the Telegraph reported the Red Devils as being interested in a loan move for the forward.

City's neighbours and rivals, who visit Tottenham on Sunday, are currently second in the top tier and seven points off leaders Chelsea. 

With the Cityzens sat fourth outside the Champions League qualification spots, they may be reluctant to sanction a move to a top three WSL rival this month. 

Having not started in any of Man City's WSL games since a 2-0 home win against West Ham in October, Kelly has expressed frustration.  

In her Instagram post, she added: "To be dictated (as to) whom I can and can't join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career but my mental well being. 

"The situation has dragged on for far too long, it's disappointing and not right.

"I'm at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me.

"It's very disappointing that the sport that we love can make you feel this way especially after there's been so much growth in our sport. 

"This is why I'm posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence."

"Ultimately I just want to be happy again. 

While City have signed Brazil forward Kerolin, they currently have star forward Lauren Hemp sidelined by a knee injury. 

The team return to WSL action on Sunday when they host third place Arsenal.