Tottenham Hotspur manager Robert Vilahamn has expressed his desire to buy Grace Clinton from Manchester United after her loan deal expired this summer.
Clinton joined Tottenham on a season-long loan last August and has been instrumental for Spurs this season. The 21-year-old started every league match, except the match against United as she was ineligible, under Vilahamn. She scored four goals and three assists in the Women’s Super League and was also part of the England senior team.
As things stand, United expect Clinton to be part of their plans next season. She will return to United at the end of the campaign and has one year remaining on her contract at her parent club.
“It’s a loan for the whole season,” Vilahamn said Athleticism. “Then she spends another year with Man United. So she will come back to them. And of course, many clubs could be interested. It would certainly interest us. But the main thing is that she belongs to Manchester United and has a contract with them. So whatever happens this summer, she’s going back and time will tell what happens.
“She can’t stay because she won’t be part of us next year. But if you ask me if I want to buy it, there would be strong potential. I want to do it, yes, but right now we can’t discuss it because we’re in the middle of the season. She is only here on loan. So ask me after the season.
Clinton’s impressive club form also led England manager Sarina Wiegman to start the youngster in England’s opening European Championship qualifier against Sweden at Wembley last week, where they drew 1-1. It was Clinton’s third cap after making her England debut in February in a 7–2 friendly win over Austria in which she started and scored.
If selected and available, Clinton could then be in action for Tottenham’s FA Cup semi-final against Leicester on Sunday, which will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
GO FURTHER
Off-ball pressing and ball control – Clinton claims England midfield spot
(James Chance/Getty Images)