Manchester United have made North Carolina Courage forward Kerolin their “main transfer target” this summer, according to the Daily Mail reporter Kathryn Batte.

The Brazilian, who has been capped 31 times by her country, has been identified by the Red Devils as a replacement for Alessia Russo, who left Old Trafford at the start of this month to join rivals Arsenal.

Marc Skinner’s side are thought to be determined to sign Kerolin with Batte claiming that they will make a “big offer” for the 23-year-old, who does have interest from a number of other top European teams.

It is believed that negotiations may have already begun, although, at the time of writing, United have not agreed a fee with North Carolina, but it looks like a deal is being worked on.

Kerolin’s career so far

After coming through the vaunted youth system at local Brazilian team Valinhos Futebol Club, the forward went on to have spells at Ponte Preta, Palmeiras and Osasco Audax before moving to Europe in 2021.

At international level, Kerolin was a prominent figure in the Under 17s and Under 20s, scoring twice for Brazil at the U20 World Cup in 2018. Not long afterward, she made her debut for the senior side. That came, coincidentally, against England in a friendly, replacing Debinha as a substitute during a 1-0 defeat.

Her career hasn’t been without controversy, though, having been suspended for a doping violation following a Copa Libertadores game whilst playing for Palmeiras. She missed the 2019 World Cup as a result.

After moving to Madrid CFF a couple of years ago, Kerolin’s career took a more positive direction and, after a successful season in Spain, she moved to the NWSL. This campaign for North Carolina Courage, she has scored eight times in only 13 games, being named in the team of the month for June. The forward will also be a key player for Brazil at the World Cup which kicks off in just over a week’s time.