Gareth Taylor responds to Man City's transfer links to Kerolin | OneFootball

Manchester City boss Gareth Taylor refused to be drawn into links to North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin in his latest media conference.

The former WSL winners moved quickly to sign Rebecca Knaak from Swedish side FC Rosengard earlier this month, adding defensive reinforcements to cover for the injured Alex Greenwood.

Taylor is also facing problems in forward areas, with Khadija Shaw and Lauren Hemp among those sidelined. With the amount of injuries threatening to derail their season, the City boss insists they are doing all they can this month to ensure the team can remain competitive for the remainder of the campaign.

“There’s no update [on transfers],” Taylor told reporters ahead of the Manchester derby. “It’s really difficult to give you any news while there are many wheels still whirring.

“We’re working tremendously hard behind the scenes to try and help and support the squad a little bit more. Losing Alex [Greenwood], Lauren [Hemp] and Bunny [Shaw to injury], three really key players, is tough for any team.

“We’re trying to get that necessary support but we’re operating in a difficult window. But there is still a bit of time left.”

One of the names that has been linked in recent days is Brazil international Kerolin. It was confirmed by her former club, North Carolina Courage, earlier this week that the 25-year-old intends to pursue free agency now she is out of contract.

Taylor didn't give much away in his press conference / Lewis Storey/GettyImages

“It’s difficult for me to comment on a player that is not officially ours,” he said, when asked about the Kerolin rumours. “At this moment, I’d have to say no comment.

“I know there is a lot of speculation out there, but we like to do things in the right way."

Kerolin was named the NWSL’s MVP for 2023 but struggled for form last season due to injury problems. Reports indicate a number of clubs, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, showed interest in the player but City appear to have a deal wrapped up.

On what a potential arrival might mean for Chloe Kelly, out of contract in the summer, Taylor added: "We have good history together. While she's here, she's the same as every other player.

"She's considered, she's valued and whether she plays or doesn't play, she's a part of what we're doing. Anything beyond that is really difficult for me to kind of speculate on."