Man City threat shedding Kelly after breakdown in relationship with Taylor

Manchester City are at risk of losing England star Chloe Kelly after a breakdown in relationship between the forward and manager Gareth Taylor, which has led to an impasse over contract talks.

Kelly, who scored the Lionesses’ winning goal in the Euro 2022 final, will see her current deal expire at the end of the season. It is understood the forward would like to stay at the club, but the two parties are not close to agreeing an extension.

Mail Sport understands that over the last 12 months Taylor and Kelly’s relationship has become fractured.

The forward has been an unused substitute on three occasions this season – including in the last two games against Liverpool and Barcelona – and has started just two of their seven matches this term.

City came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 on Sunday, with Bunny Shaw netting in the 58th and 92nd minute. Taylor only used one of his substitutes and said in his post-match interview that it would have been difficult to bring on more players because they would not have been ‘in the rhythm of the game.’

Manchester City are at risk of losing England star Chloe Kelly at the end of the season

There has been a breakdown in relationship with manager Gareth Taylor and Kelly

Sky Sports pundit Fern Whelan questioned that assessment and argued that the game was ‘crying out’ for Kelly to come on with City searching for a goal.

It is not the first time the forward has been left out of the City team and there were signs last season that the relationship between the pair was perhaps faltering.

Kelly was on the bench for the Manchester derby in March, the fourth game in a row she had not made the starting XI, with Taylor commenting she had to ‘work hard every day in training to be ready’.

He also used Jess Park as an example of a player who had come back into the team after not playing.

‘The levels have to be good and that’s the same for all players,’ Taylor said. ‘I think Jess is probably a case in point with that one, her attitude and her enthusiasm and her level of training performance was very good whether she played or not. I think that’s a big plus for her.’

Manchester City were contacted by Mail Sport but did not wish to comment.

The England international has been an unused substitute on three occasions this season

The situation between Taylor and Kelly leaves City in a vulnerable position in negotiating with the England forward, who would not be short of interest from other clubs.

It is understood Kelly has been happy at City since her move from Everton in 2020 and has a strong connection and love for the club.

But the current situation means it will be difficult for the two parties to reach an agreement over a new contract.