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 qualifying
• Clinton one of four players to miss crucial clash
• Absence comes amid transfer links to Man City

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  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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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  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."

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• 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."

Tags: Futebol
Category: News