Ellie Roebuck left out of Man City squad for Durham FA Cup tie as Lionesses star edges closer to sensational Barcelona transfer

The Lionesses goalkeeper has seen her playing time limited at the Manchester-based club, which has had an adverse effect on her opportunities at international level. As a result, reports this week suggested she could be close to sealing a move away, with her contract set to expire in the summer. Barcelona now appear poised to complete that transfer, after Roebuck was left out City's FA Cup squad to face Durham on Sunday.

Speaking last month about losing her place at club and international level, the 24-year-old hinted at a winter move. She told Sky Sports: "I make no bones about it, it's been a pretty tough few months of the season. I'm just head down, working as hard as I can, and I'll continue to support the team. Working hard is all I can control. I want to be playing football, that's what I do, it's my job, my love, my passion."

A move to Spain's Liga F and reigning champions Barcelona will no doubt boost her career hopes, especially on the international stage. Roebuck hasn't played a competitive match this season for City since 19-year-old Khiara Keating came in, killing her chances of stealing theLionesses No.1 spot away from the ever-growing icon that is Mary Earps.

Should she complete the move to Catalonia, Roebuck will link up with some familiar faces. Former Lionesses team-mates Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh play their football at Barcelona, who celebrated a Women's Champions League victory last term.

The transfer, first reported by Sport, is yet to be made official, but the omission from Sunday's squad means her exit this window is surely a matter of time. In sealing her move elsewhere, Roebuck will say goodbye to a club where she has been since a 15-year-old. In seven seasons she kept 44 clean sheets in 92 matches.