Chelsea ‘enquire’ Bristol City over transfer as Man Utd striker eyed

Bristol City have reportedly received a transfer enquiry from Chelsea for their highly-rated defender Brooke Aspin.

BBC Sport journalist Emma Saunders reported Chelsea's interest in Aspin, and has detailed the Blues transfer plan for the 17-year-old. Aspin has been tracked by Women's Super League clubs for the last year, and now Chelsea have made the first step out of the chasing pack. Chelsea - who won the Women's Super League, would loan her back out should they win her signature, and would consider giving her back to City, where she has developed so far.

In a tweet the broadcast journalist for the BBC said: "I’m told Chelsea have enquired about Bristol City’s Brooke Aspin with the view to loaning her out if they signed her, potentially back to Bristol City."

Aspin is an academy product of Bristol City, and in her first campaign at the club, made 26 appearances at just 16-years-old. She made six appearances in City’s FA Women’s Championship campaign, returning from a spell out following a battle with sepsis last September. Aspin scored in front of a record crowd at Ashton Gate back in April, as City clinched the title against Charlton Athletic, thus confirming City’s place in the WSL. According to the DailyMail, as she is not yet 18, City are at risk of losing her for no compensation, as they cannot offer her a professional deal, but once she turns 18 on Saturday, July 1, then terms can be offered.

As well as a potential outgoing, Saunders reported that City’s interest in a player that they beat to the title last season. Amy Rodgers of London City Lionesses is a suggested transfer target. Rodgers has made more than 50 appearances for London City, having joined from Liverpool in the 2021/22 season. She was ever present for London City, who finished third, three points behind City in the league standings.

“Also told Bristol City are one of those interested in London City Lionesses midfielder Amy Rodgers,” said Saunders, as Lauren Smith eyes reinforcements for the Vixens first season back in the top flight of Women’s football in England.

Manchester United striker Keira Barry is also on their transfer shortlist, according to Kathryn Battle from the Daily Mail. The Red Devils are said to have stalled on contract negotiations, and there was a desire from coach Marc Skinner to keep her in Manchester, but now other clubs are considering making a move. Champions Chelsea are one of the clubs chasing her signature, whilst Everton, Brighton and Bristol City are also tracking the Under-19 international.

She spent last season on loan with Derby County, and turned 18 last week, making her eligibile for a professional contract. If Barry were to leave Man United then they would receive no compensation, and City would not have to pay a transfer fee.

In other news, Grace Clinton, who was named Young Player of the Year at City, looks set to remain at Manchester United for the coming season after hinting at her plans for next season. She said: "Being such a young player, I'm gonna jump at every opportunity I can to play minutes and get better. being back [at United] feels like home.”