Manchester United could swoop for Barcelona star after Alessia Russo exit

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a move to sign Barcelona and Brazil star Geyse this summer following the departure of striker Alessia Russo.

The Reds enjoyed their most successful season to date last term, securing Champions League football for the first time in the club's history and reaching the FA Cup Final. However, following a breakdown in contract talks, Russo confirmed her departure on a free transfer earlier this month, meaning Marc Skinner's side are in need of some attacking reinforcements.

And, according to the Daily Mail, Brazilian forward Geyse is among the Reds' top targets. The 25-year-old joined Barcelona from Madrid CFF in June 2022 and has since notched 10 goals and 7 assists in 34 appearances for the Catalan giants.

Geyse played a crucial role in Barcelona's Liga F title win and also featured as a substitute in their dramatic Champions League Final victory over Wolfsburg. The forward, who has already won more than 40 senior caps for Brazil and will likely play a major role in their upcoming Women's World Cup campaign, has one year left on her contract and would therefore command a considerable transfer fee this summer.

READ MORE: Manchester United's most successful season in Women's Super League in pictures

United's need to bolster their playing squad is a pressing one, with right-back Ona Batlle having followed Russo out of the exit door this month. Batlle, who was the Reds' standout performer last season, has returned to childhood club Barcelona after failing to agree a new deal with United.

Russo, meanwhile, looks set to join Women's Super League rivals Arsenal on a free transfer. United turned down the Gunners' world-record bid for the England striker in January.

Speaking about the