Man Utd boss give update on links to rumoured Rangers and Aston Villa transfer targets

The Red Devils were linked to moves for teenage duo Emma Watson and Evie Rabjohn of Rangers and Aston Villa respectively last week.

Skinner is said to be interested in the duo and is looking to add the 17-year-old stars to his squad as he builds a “future proof” squad that can challenge for major silverware for years to come.

“To be honest, I will never talk about players that are not at our club” said Skinner.

“There’s going to be rumours all over the place and I am sure the summer is going to be very interesting but until that player is a Manchester United player then I won’t be talking about anyone else’s players.

Watson, a star for Scottish Women’s Premier League side Rangers, made her Scotland debut earlier this week in a 1-0 win over Australia and was a star performer alongside world class talents such as Caroline Weir, whereas Rabjohn has been earmarked as one of the stars of the future and featured for England U19s last week.

Villains boss Carla Ward has included the teenager in several first team squad this season and the defender certainly matches the profile for what United are looking for.

The 40-year-old boss added his delight at seeing both Mary Earps and Ella Toone produce for England on the international stage once again, with the duo both playing huge parts in the Lionesses penalty shoot out win over Brazil at Wembley last Thursday in the Finalissima.

“I think that is the biggest difference with us. Our recruitment strategy was about including experience with quality to the group. but then what has happened, which coincides with England winning competitions, is that our younger players already have that winning experience that we hope to have here and are building towards.

“Its been very beneficial. Ella’s arrival in the shape, which she does for us numerous times, and the finish was really good. Obviously then Mary comes up big at the end.

“The goal England concede, that happens. For anybody to go through a season and make minimal mistake is magnificent and I think Mary showed just how far she has come in terms of that massive, massive penalty save which ends up being the defining moments. I am staying alert to all of the players - for us it is important that we scout any of our players playing in international games.”

Elsewhere, the United boss offered a promising injury update on January signing Lisa Naalsund who has been missing since a muscle strain on her debut against Lewes earlier in the year.

“When she got her injury she was due a few days off after that. She has come back in today in really good spirits. We are looking at probably - if she’s available - the last two to three weeks of the season. Hopefully there’s still some football for her but there’s going to be no pressure from us in terms of to risk her, we wouldn’t do that.