Manchester United closing in on first summer signing after striker's exit confirmed

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign striker Elisabeth Terland from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Norway international was the Seagulls' top-scorer last season, netting 15 times in 28 appearances across all competitions. She joined Brighton from SK Brann in 2022 and represented her country at the Women's World Cup last summer.

The 22-year-old is out of contract at the end of June, and, according to BBC Sport, United are hopeful of finalising a deal before the next international break. The Reds' interest in Terland reflects a need to bolster their attacking ranks following the departure of Spain international Lucia Garcia.

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Garcia scored 16 goals in 60 appearances for United, including a brace in last month's Women's FA Cup final. She is expected to join Mexican champions Monterey this summer.

Reflecting on her time at Leigh Sports Village, Garcia told club media: "I am going to miss every single piece of Manchester United. All my friends, all the team, all the staff, all the workers here. I think one of the hardest parts is to leave the fans. I feel the support they give to me. I can feel they love me and I love them.

"(When they chant my name) I just feel it in my heart like 'boom, boom, boom'. They give me the power to keep going, to keep fighting. But at the end of the day, I have to say goodbye. That's so hard for me, and the only thing I can say to you all is I love you (from) the bottom of my heart."

Garcia is one of a number of first-team players who are out of contract at United this summer, with goalkeeper Mary Earps