Lauren Hemp is going nowhere! Man City star explains why she signed three-year contract extension at WSL giants despite Barcelona links

Hemp was out of contract at the end of the current season and rumours had been swirling of interest from the European champions, who can already count England pair Keira Walsh and Lucy Bronze among their ranks and look set to sign Ellie Roebuck from Man City in a few weeks' time, too.

However, just a day after speaking about focusing on City's Women's Super League title race rather than her future, Hemp has put an end to all of the rumours by signing a new deal in Manchester until 2027.

Upon the announcement, Hemp said: “This is a special team. I want to take my game to the next level and I feel like I’m capable of doing that here. The WSL is the best league to be in. I feel at home here in Manchester. With the squad we have here, we are always learning and it’s so special to be involved at a club where we’re capable of achieving anything. I’m so passionate about this club and there’s no place I’d rather be. I’m very excited to keep this journey going for the next few years.”

Head coach Gareth Taylor added: “Lauren is an outstanding player and I’m looking forward to continuing the journey we started together four years ago. The growth she has shown has been incredible and we know that she will continue to bring great things to the team for the next three years. There’s so much more to come and we’re really pleased that Lauren has extended her stay with the club.”

Hemp has scored nine goals and provided six assists in City's charge for the WSL title this season, standing out as one of the team's best players as they aim to end an eight-year wait to win the league again.

The England star will need to step up even further for the final three games of the campaign following the news that star striker Khadija Shaw will be absent. That will start on Sunday, against former club Bristol City.