da dobrowin： Barcelona’s interest in Lauren Hemp comes as "no surprise" to one ex-England star, who believes the Lionesses’ winger has a "tough decision" to make.

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Barcelona linked with a move for HempMan City table new deal for England starFormer Lioness believes winger has "tough decision"WHAT HAPPENED?

Hemp is out of contract at Manchester City this summer and has reportedly attracted the attention of Barcelona as she enters the final few months of her current deal. City have tabled a renewal offer but it remains to be seen what decision the 23-year-old, who has spent the last six years in Manchester, will make.

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Speaking to GOAL about the rumours, former England and Man City midfielder Izzy Christiansen said it was “no surprise” to her that Hemp would be of interest to the European champions. “You're looking at one of the best wingers in the world at the moment and Barcelona are the best team in Europe at the moment,” she explained. “If you're looking at Lauren Hemp, you've got a player who's consistently performed a high, high level. What happens with her, I don't know, but you've got a player who needs to always be playing at the top and I think from Man City's perspective, I think they're turning a corner. I think they're getting closer again to Chelsea and it's probably a tough decision if you're inside Lauren Hemp's head at the moment.”

Christiansen herself left Man City in 2018 when a European giant came calling, signing for eight-time queens of the continent Lyon. Asked if it’s hard to turn down an offer from such a dominant team, the 32-year-old said: “Absolutely, yes. You've got a European giant coming for you. It's a difficult situation to be in but there's a lot of factors involved now and the game moves so quickly that being settled is a massive part of your performance on the pitch. I think that's going to be tough for [Hemp] to leave City now. I think City are really turning the screw and they've got some really exciting plans for the future.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Hemp does have unfinished business with Man City as she has yet to win the Women's Super League. Chelsea have been England's dominant power for the last few years, winning four successive titles, but City are closing the gap on the Blues and are currently their closest competitors for this season's trophy. However, Barca are the best team in Europe and can offer Hemp an opportunity to develop in a new country, as well as the chance to learn from some of the best players on the planet.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hemp has been named the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year four times, winning the award on more occasions than any other player.