Alessia Russo latest - Man Utd contract, Arsenal bid and Ella Toone verdict
As Alessia Russo returns for to domestic action following the international break she could be getting ready for her Man Utd swansong.
Russo has helped United to compete for the WSL title this season, her late winner at Arsenal in November proving to be one of the defining moments of the campaign to date. But her contract at the club expires at the end of this season, meaning she can leave without United picking up a transfer fee
Negotiations are still ongoing between Russo and the club, but with only a few months remaining on her deal it doesn't look promising. We know there is plenty of interest in the England forward.
Arsenal have already tried to bring her to London. Fellow title contenders, the Gunners made a bid of around £500,000 which was rejected in January, which would have broken the world record for a transfer fee in the women's game.
Talks are continuing in the background between Russo and her current club, but plenty of other top teams will be circling if she doesn't re-sign. Chelsea and Lyon are also thought to be monitoring the contract situation.
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Marc Skinner gave his verdict on current negotiations ahead of his sides' Women's FA Cup semi-final tie with Brighton at the weekend, also giving an update on right-back Ona Batlle.
Alessia Russo and Ella Toone celebrate after Russo makes it 3-0 against Aston Villa"I wouldn't say (the contract negotiations) goes to the level of concern because as a collective we're in a really important moment of the season which these players will play a massive part in," said Skinner.
"There's a lot of love from those players towards the club and obviously from the club towards those players. We're hopeful and working hard behind the scenes.
"What I've stayed very clear on - and why they're still performing like they are - is it's about the team. My job is to put myself aside and work for this team, the players' job is to put themselves aside and work for the team.
"That looks like trying to progress to an FA Cup final. We've already gone one stage further than we ever have so now we have to put all our energy into doing that and then we've got really important games to not only finish potentially in the Champions League but try to challenge for the league."
The message that Russo is still focused firmly on football will be good news for United fans, whose side still have a chance of winning two trophies this season. If Skinner's team get past Brighton on Saturday they will face Chelsea or Aston Villa in the cup final on May 14, although that might only further put Russo in the shop window.
Her United teammate and close friend Ella Toone was asked about Russo's situation during the latest England camp. And she admitted that whether they were together for Lionesses or United, the two were often inseparable.
"We’re joined at the hip," Tonne said. "We’re best friends. We love playing together and being around each other, and we love each other’s company.
"That will never change, no matter where Alessia is. As a friend I will always be proud of what she does and goes on to achieve.
"Right now, we’re at England camp and spending every day together. We’re playing football together and that’s the main thing. For now, it’s just enjoying the now together and whatever happens, happens."
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Toone seems to be preparing herself for the idea of Russo leaving on a free transfer. United fans may well need to soon do the same. If the Red Devils do reach the FA Cup final, it will could well prove her farewell fixture.
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