Manchester United Women are considering bid of over £100,000 from Chelsea for midfielder Lauren James with the club eyeing PSV’s Kyah Simon as a possible replacement
- Man United Women have received a bid from Chelsea to sign Lauren James
- James, 19, is a promising midfielder but struggled with injuries last season
- United could line up PSV’s Kyah Simon to replace Lauren should she depart
Manchester United Women are weighing up whether to accept Chelsea’s bid of over £100,000 for Lauren James, with the club looking at replacements for the talented England star.
James, 19, has been a long-term target of the WSL champions and a move to the Blues would see her link-up with brother Reece, who plays for the men’s side.
The midfielder scored a goal-of-the-season contender against Emma Hayes’ team in United’s 2-1 defeat at Kingsmeadow last season, but her game time for the Red Devils was limited due to a number of niggling injuries.
Manchester United women are weighing up whether to sell midfielder Lauren James
United don’t want to lose the youngster but have begun looking at replacements – with PSV’s Kyah Simon a possible option.
Australian international Simon, 30, would bring a vast amount of experience to United’s relatively young team. The Red Devils confirmed the departures of American duo Christen Press and Tobin Heath last week and are in need of strengthening their squad ahead of the new season.
A number of Australians have already made their way to the WSL, with Chelsea’s Sam Kerr the most high profile while Everton’s Hayley Raso is another well-known player.
United are yet to appoint a new manager following Casey Stoney’s departure in May and several first-team players have left the club.
Chelsea have placed a bid for the talented midfielder, who struggled with injuries last season
Defender Amy Turner joined American club Orlando Pride while strikers Jess Sigsworth and Jane Ross have also departed.
However, the club are set to finalise a deal for ex-West Ham striker Martha Thomas by the weekend.
The Scottish international joined the Hammers from French club Le Havre in 2019 but left the club following the expiration of her contract in May.
United finished fourth in the WSL last season, missing out on a place in the Champions League – despite leading the way at the top of the table at Christmas.
Stoney left as manager due to frustrations at the support structure facilities provided to her team following a temporary move to the men’s Carrington training base at the start of the year.
