Man Utd star opens up on contract situation of ‘best friend’

Russo’s Manchester United and Lionesses team mate was speaking to the media ahead of England’s clash with Australia on Tuesday night when she was asked about the future of her team mate.

Russo, 24, was subject of a £500,000 bid from Women’s Super League rivals Arsenal in the January transfer window and is has also been linked with moves to Lyon as fears she won’t sign a new deal with United intensify.

“We are joined at the hip” said Toone. “We love playing together, we love being around each other, we love each others company - that will never change no matter where Alessia is.”

The star striker’s contract expires in the summer and fans fear Marc Skinner could be set to lose Russo - alongside key player Ona Batlle - on a free transfer, with a number of Europe’s top clubs circling to secure her signature. Toone, who has been the long term best friend of Russo, shared her thoughts on her future for the first time.

"As a friend, I'll always be proud of what she does and what she goes on to achieve. I love playing with her and now we're at England camp and spending everyday together, playing football together and that is the main thing. It is just about enjoying now together and whatever happens, happens.”

Reflecting on the display against Brazil, Russo discussed her international ambitions after picking up a third international trophy in a year: "I always want to play as much as I can for England” she said.

“The competition is so high so I always want to go out there and bring as much to the team as I can. As a striker you obviously want to score and create but sometimes there’s different roles you have to play so it was a positive night so I’m looking forward to the next one."

Toone who scored the opening goal in the Lionesses’ Finalissima against Brazil on Thursday, is set to feature alongside her United team mate again on Tuesday evening before the duo return to Manchester ahead of the mammoth FA Cup semi-final clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.