Brighton in talks to sign Nikita Parris on WSL deadline day

Brighton is currently in advanced negotiations with Manchester United to sign Nikita Parris, an England forward, on the Women’s Super League (WSL) transfer deadline day. Parris, who has 71 caps for the national team, has reportedly declined several offers from other clubs, making Brighton the frontrunner for her signature. The club aims to bolster its squad after finishing ninth in the previous season and has already secured the signings of Fran Kirby and Jelena Cankovic during the summer transfer window. Parris, who was Manchester United's top scorer last season with eight WSL goals, had her contract extended by the club until the end of the 2024-25 season, which means a transfer fee will be necessary for Brighton to acquire her. The forward has a notable international record, having scored 17 goals for England and being part of the squad that won the European Championship in 2022. Additionally, she represented Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, showcasing her experience on a global stage. Brighton’s pursuit of Parris reflects their ambition to become a top-four team in the WSL, a significant step up from their previous season's performance. The club's strategy appears to focus on attracting high-profile players to enhance their competitiveness in the league. If the deal goes through, it would mark a significant achievement for Brighton in their efforts to strengthen their squad. In related news, Sofia Jakobsson, a Swedish striker, is set to join London City Lionesses on a free transfer, further highlighting the ongoing activity in the WSL as clubs finalize their rosters ahead of the new season. Jakobsson's move will reunite her with teammate Kosovare Asllani, adding to the excitement surrounding the league's upcoming matches.