'World-class' defender hailed as Manchester United deal nears completion

Gemma Evans has been hailed a “world-class” defender and tipped to thrive in the upper echelons of the Women's Super League.

The Reading centre-half has been linked with a move to Manchester United following the expiry of her two-year contract with Reading. The Royals suffered relegation on the final day of the WSL season as they fell to a 3-0 loss to reigning champions, Chelsea.

Despite having a WSL relegation on her CV, the Welsh international performed admirably during a difficult season as the Royals backline was routinely exposed. Her performances have seen her linked with a slew of top WSL sides, with United appearing to be the favourites for the 26-year-old’s signature.

Wales manager Gemma Grainger praised Evans ahead of a potential move and maintained that playing in the upper tier of the WSL and in Europe is precisely where the defender belongs.

READ MORE: Man Utd close to signing former Reading defender after double transfer blow

“The first day I met Gemma [Evans], the belief that I’ve had in her, for me she’s a world-class centre-half” Grainger said in a press conference ahead of Wales' friendly against reigning world champions USA. “You see her against [Marie-Antoinette] Katoto when we played France in our World Cup qualifying campaign. She and Hayley [Ladd] handled her and the rest of that French front line superbly.

“I think that’s her level for me. And I want her to play at the highest level.”

Evans' addition to United's defensive ranks would represent a club looking forward to a campaign in which they will be competing on all four fronts after securing Champions League football next season. Last season United acquired French defender Aissatou Tounkara on a two-year deal from Atletico Madrid.