Man Utd & Man City set to SWAP Lionesses Grace Clinton & Jess Park in sensational player-exchange transfer between bitter WSL rivals

Last week, a report emerged in The Times linking Clinton with Man City, while sources told The Guardian a few days later that Park was of interested to United. Now, The Cutback claims that a deal is being put in place to see the two players swap clubs before the Women's Super League transfer window slams shut on Thursday. The Guardian later added that City are paying United an undisclosed fee plus Park to sign Clinton, who is set to undergo a medical with personal terms close to being agreed.

Both players have really come to the fore in the last two years in particular, leading to their England breakthroughs and their inclusions in this summer's victorious Euro 2025 squad. Clinton joined Man Utd in 2022, having failed to really breakthrough at Everton, and would earn her chance with the Red Devils after loans with Bristol City and Tottenham. Park, meanwhile, signed for Man City as a 15-year-old and would become a favourite under former head coach Gareth Taylor, with her style of play really suiting what the Cityzens were doing. It's worth noting, however, that the club has changed managers this summer, with ex-Denmark boss Andree Jeglertz taking charge on the blue side of Manchester. That will lead to a slight change in approach by City.

Asked about the rumoured interest in Clinton in his press conference on Wednesday, Jeglertz said: "She's a great football player but right now, I shouldn't comment on rumours or whatever, because we'll see what happens during this week."

Quizzed on whether he wanted to add to his squad in general before the deadline, the Man City boss added: "I think our squad is very good. We have competition in, I would say, all positions. But I also know that we need all the players and if there are players who are available and would like to come and play with us, and we feel it fits, there will always be discussions if we should add or not. But right now, I'm very pleased with the squad I have and if things change, then we take it from there."

Man Utd have hit some bumps in the road in this transfer window, with a move for RB Leipzig forward Giovanna Hoffman falling through recently. Head coach Marc Skinner has been keen to bolster his forward line, which the recruitment of Park, who is versatile enough to play in midfield or across the front three, will do. However, to lose Clinton at the same time still leaves United lacking the necessary depth to compete across four competitions, even if it solves the issue of how to get her and Ella Toone to best play together given both are at their best in the No.10 role.

Both clubs will be working to finalise the deal before Thursday's deadline, meaning each player could make their debut in their new colours this coming weekend. Man City kick-off the new WSL season on Friday night with a trip to champions Chelsea, while Man Utd begin at home to Leicester on Sunday.