Bristol City set to sign Manchester United midfielder after transfer decision

Bristol City are poised to sign midfielder Grace Clinton from Manchester United on a loan deal. The Vixens are on the search for new players that will complement their push for a return to the Women’s Super League.

City are able to do transfer business after the January transfer window opened and have looked to the WSL once more for their second signing of the month. Tottenham Hotspur defender Gracie Pearse joined at the start of the month on loan until the end of the season.

Liverpool-born midfielder Clinton now could be on the move to the West Country as City look to take one of the brightest prospects in the WSL. The 19-year-old has yet to play for United in the league and now the Red Devils are ready to green light a temporary move away from Leigh.

Telegraph journalist Tom Garry said: ‘Also understand Grace Clinton is joining Bristol City on loan. Big boost to their promotion push.”

Clinton is a two-time England Under-23 international and was capped 10 times for the Under-19’s, scoring five goals. She has 14 appearances in the WSL, all coming for Everton. She has endured injury and illness after moving to United, and there has been a difficulty in gaining a first-team berth with heavy competition.

Clinton is contracted to United until the summer of 2025, but has not yet making her competitive debut. She did not feature in the Conti Cup, as United did not want her to be cup tied, which could allow her to play for City if the move is completed by mid-day on Tuesday.

Lauren Smith’s side are back in action after a pause for the festive period. Bristol City host Coventry United in the FA Women’s Championship at the High Performance on Sunday, January 15, with kick-off at 3.00 pm.

It is the first of three games in a week with an away match at Lewes in the Women’s Super League Cup. A win is required if City want to reach the knockout stage of the competition. City are also at home next weekend as they host London City at the HPC.