England defender Niamh Charles is likely to leave Chelsea this summer, sources have told ESPN, with the left-back moving closer to a departure after the Blues signed former Arsenal left-back Katie McCabe.
Sources told ESPN that Chelsea, who were dethroned for in the Women's Super League by Manchester City after claiming the last six titles, are aiming to bring in at least six players to bolster the squad after a tough season, plug gaps left by exits and provide rotational options after injuries hit the team hard.
Charles has one year left on her contract but has struggled with injuries during her six-year spell at the club, missing part of the most recent season with a shoulder injury.
ESPN previously reported interest from Real Madrid in Charles and teammate Mayra RamÃrez however, sources told ESPN that Charles's preference is to remain in England.
One source said that Manchester City are keen to sign Charles following the departure of Leila Ouahabi. City were in the mix to sign McCabe, one source added, but backed off from negotiations.
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McCabe, having spent over a decade with local rival Arsenal, became the first signing of the vital window on a three-year-deal with the option of an additional year.
Sources told ESPN that Charles was already looking at options with the signing of McCabe making it increasingly more likely that she will depart the club after joining the club in 2020.
