Man Utd close on signing American goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce in record deal

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of American goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

United have been trying to negotiate a fee with the goalkeeper’s club OL Reign and Mail Sport understands the gap between the two sides has narrowed significantly.

The move has the potential to surpass the record fee for a goalkeeper, which currently stands at £100,000.

Mail Sport understands Tullis-Joyce is on her way to Manchester in the hope of completing a move before Thursday.

United are still expected to retain Mary Earps regardless of whether they sign Tullis-Joyce.

Earps is out of contract at the end of next season and had wanted to leave the club this summer, with Arsenal having multiple bids rejected.

United have told the England goalkeeper she is not for sale and their stance is not expected to change before the deadline.

The signing of Tullis-Joyce would create competition for Earps this season but would also give United a ready replacement for the following campaign.

Earps has so far refused to sign a new a contract and could leave on a free transfer next summer.

If a move for Tullis-Joyce is completed, United are expected to let Sophie Baggaley leave the club. The 26-year-old had served as No 2 to Earps last season.