Lionesses midfielder Fran Kirby has had 'no conversations' with Chelsea over a new contract as she admits to 'frustrations with my body and its limitations'

The 30-year-old's contract expires in the summer and despite her struggles with injury, she believes she can still play a key role at the highest level. As a result, she hopes to remain at the club she joined for a record fee in 2015, having become the team's all-time leading scorer.

In an interview with the BBC, Kirby said: "At the moment there has been no conversations between myself and the club. I want to continue playing football and continue playing football at a high level.

"I still feel I have a lot to give wherever I am, whether that's at Chelsea or that has to be somewhere else. But I love the club. I've been here a long time and have some great friendships with players and staff.

"You do question how many times you can go through something. It's never an easy thing. I also have frustrations with my body and its limitations.

"Playing football is something I still enjoy doing. I still have that really competitive nature inside me. I will keep playing until that fizzles out."

A knee injury kept Kirby out of England's World Cup campaign last summer, but the Euro 2022 winner has bounced back this season and has been available for all games as Chelsea have taken their customary position at the top of the WSL. Whether Kirby remains in west London is an intriguing question in what will be a year of change as manager Emma Hayes departs after 14 trophy-laden years to take the United States women's national team job.

Kirby and Chelsea return from the winter break to an FA Cup fourth round tie with West Ham after the devastating news that star forward Sam Kerr suffered a season-ending knee injury during the club's training camp in Morocco.

Kirby will hope to keep injuries at bay as the Blues chase an elusive Champions League win in Hayes' 'last dance'.