Grace Clinton is one of four players set to miss Man Utd's crucial Champions League qualifier against PSV, amid transfer links to rivals Man City.
Man Utd face PSV in Champions League qualifyingClinton one of four players to miss crucial clashAbsence comes amid transfer links to Man CityFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Striker Rachel Williams, winger Leah Galton and two-time European champion Fridolina Rolfo, who joined the Red Devils this summer as their marquee signing of the window, are all ruled out of Wednesday's game, while Clinton has a niggle that looks also to keep her on the sidelines. All four missed the team's final pre-season friendly last week, a 2-2 draw with Liverpool, though the good news is that France forward Melvine Malard is back available having been on the sidelines for that match.
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Clinton's knock comes amid links to Manchester City, with reporting on Monday that United's bitter rivals are interested in a move for the England international, whose contract expires next summer. The report says City are keen to complete a deal before the Women's Super League transfer window shuts on September 4, though have not yet made a formal approach for the player.
WHAT SKINNER SAID
Asked about the suggested interest in Clinton from Man City, Man Utd boss Skinner said on Tuesday: "Right now, I've not been told anything of the sorts. Look, I'm sure there are people interested in Grace, because she's a fantastic footballer, but the reality is, the club have not told me anything of that. As I am now, I am preparing for Champions League tomorrow and Grace is progressing nicely to being part of our squad going forwards."
DID YOU KNOW?
As for incomings in the transfer window, Skinner is keen to add a couple more names to his squad before the deadline passes, especially if his team do make it through to the Champions League proper and have a demanding schedule to manage. Having already signed Bayern Munich midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme alongside Rolfo, United have since been heavily linked with a move for Germany forward Giovanna Hoffmann, but reported this week that talks had stalled on that front.
Asked about the situation there, Skinner said: "We need to bring forward in I think in this window, potentially two. I'm probably looking for two players in this window while we've got time left. Giovanna was one of those players that we looked at. I don't think right now, [with] the valuation, we're meeting in the middle. Right now that doesn't look like something that can happen. But again, I must stress we're looking in those forward areas, so we have an array of options and people we're looking at."