Manchester United are “close to” completing the signing of Reading defender Gemma Evans, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Red Devils are said to have been on the lookout for a left-sided centre-half and they identified the Wales international as a top summer target.

Following Reading’s relegation from the Women’s Super League, a mass exodus of players from the Royals was expected and it now appears that Evans has found her new club.

The Telegraph believe a deal will be finalised at the beginning of July, with an official announcement expected not long after.

Evans’ Career Profile

The centre-back started her senior career at Cardiff City, spending two years at the Welsh club before making the switch to FA WSL 1 side Yeovil Town.

After twelve months in Somerset, Evans then had a three-year spell at Bristol City prior to joining Reading in the summer of 2021.

At international level, the defender has been capped 45 times by Wales despite only being 26 years of age, although she has yet to qualify for a major tournament with her nation.

A big summer transfer window for United

It is believed that Marc Skinner’s side will be extremely busy in the transfer market over the coming weeks and months, with the arrival of Evans likely to be the beginning of an aggressive recruitment drive.

The club have been stung by the recent departures of Ona Batlle and Alessia Russo, who were both key players in their title challenge last season.

Replacing the pair won’t be an easy task but United will need to use their financial muscle to keep pace with the other top WSL sides. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are not expected to stand still, with all three teams set to strengthen their first team squads so it will be a very interesting summer.