Russo has been with United for three years and has scored 27 goals in 59 games, but the WSL runner-up from last season has been unable to convince her to remain.
According to reports, United and Russo have been negotiating a new contract for the past 18 months, but United did not meet the forward’s contract demands until the final week of the season when it was too late to convince her to remain.
United’s delay occurred despite Marc Skinner’s club obtaining two world-record offers from WSL rivals Arsenal in January for Russo.
The forward is one of the most desirable free agents in football this summer, and her signing would send a strong signal to the rest of the league.
Several clubs around the world, including those in the United States, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, reportedly want to sign Russo this summer, but Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner due to their interest earlier this year.
Russo’s sole concentration is currently England’s World Cup campaign, which begins next month in Australia and New Zealand.
