Manchester United are “hopeful” of winning the race to sign midfielder Tatiana Pinto on a free transfer, according to Manchester World.

The 29-year-old, who has been capped over 100 times by Portugal, left Spanish side Levante at the end of last season and she is currently looking for a new team.

WSL rivals Arsenal and Brighton are also known to be interested in Pinto but United are seemingly confident that the player will opt for a move to Manchester.

The Portuguese international has spent a short period in English football before, making seven league appearances for Bristol City across two seasons.

However, Pinto only really established herself when she returned to Portugal, having five productive years with Sporting Lisbon before her two-season stint at Levante.

Pinto has represented her country with distinction

Over the past nine years, since receiving her first cap in 2014, Pinto has been ever-present in Portugal’s national setup.

The midfielder was included in the 23-player squad which flew out for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. However, she couldn’t prevent her country from being knocked out in the group stage, despite a creditable draw against the USA in their final fixture.

United are set to make some big moves in the transfer market

Despite losing both Ona Batlle and Alessia Russo, Marc Skinner’s side have been rather quiet in terms of summer signings. Reading’s Gemma Evans and Aston Villa’s Evie Rabjohn are the club’s only recruits so far.

That could be about to change, though. In addition to Pinto, United are known to be very keen on buying North Carolina Courage striker Kerolin.

Last month, reports suggested that the Red Devils had been holding talks about signing the Brazilian international and it is believed progress has been made on agreeing a fee for the player.

Bringing in both Pinto and Kerolin would significantly boost United’s chances of another title challenge next season.