Man Utd prepare for Mary Earps exit by making WSL rival top transfer target
The Mirror Manchester United are preparing for the departure of goalkeeper Mary Earps with West Ham United's Mackenzie Arnold leading the list of potential replacements.
Earps' future at United has been uncertain for some time amid stilted contract negotiations between club and player since the culmination of last summer's Women's European championships.
The Lioness' current contract was due to expire at the end of June before a one-year extension was triggered last season. However, both parties have remained at loggerheads since regarding another deal, with the September 14 WSL transfer deadline looming into focus.
Arsenal made a world-record transfer bid for Earps following the Women's World Cup. United rejected the offer, insisting she was not for sale. But the bid, coupled with the protracted nature of the contract saga, has seen England's first choice keeper push for a departure from the club.
And while United have remained firm on their stance of refusing to sell Earps, sources have confirmed the club have begun to prepare for Earps' imminent departure with a shortlist of potential replacements cobbled together.
