Lucy Bronze is a free agent! Lionesses star set for big summer move as trophy-laden Barcelona spell comes to an end

Bronze's contract expires this month and as well as the England defender talking about her love for the club, reports suggested that Barca wanted to keep her around, too. However, doing so was always going to be difficult due to the financial regulations that the Catalans need to adhere to. Even before Alexia Putellas renewed in a bumper deal last month, it was widely reported that Bronze would need to take a pay cut if the two parties were going to come to an agreement on a new contract.

In the end, Barca were able to put an offer on the table for the England star but Sport understands that Bronze's decision not to accept it comes from her wanting to be guaranteed a bigger role in the team. The 32-year-old will now become a free agent when her deal runs out on June 30.

A statement from Barcelona read: "Seven titles out of eight possible. This is the legacy left to FC Barcelona by one of the best defenders in the history of women's football. And it is that Lucy Bronze will not renew her contract that tied her to the club until June 30 of the current season. The club wishes Lucy Bronze the best of luck and success in her new stage, both personally and professionally."

Unsurprisingly given her calibre, there has been plenty of rumoured interest in Bronze while her contract has been expiring, with clubs in England and the United States among those keeping tabs on her situation. The Guardian understands that Chelsea have held discussions with her over a move.

Whether the Lionesses star chooses to remain in Europe, in a bid to add to her five Champions League titles, or looks for a new adventure in the U.S. for example, we'll soon find out.