Manchester United reject Arsenal's world record bid for Alessia Russo

Russo has become one of the biggest stars in the women's game Credit: PA Images

Manchester United have turned down a second world record fee from Arsenal for forward Alessia Russo, insisting she is not for sale.

The new bid is understood to be around £500,000, which would be the highest fee paid for a women's player. The current record was set by Barcelona for Manchester City midfielder Keira Walsh.

Russo, 23, turned down an offer to sign a contract extension with United in the summer.

She was a standout player as the Lionesses won a historic European Championships at Wembley.

Meet the world's most expensive footballer Keira Walsh
Alessia Russo in action for the Red Devils Credit: PA Images

Russo has about six months left on her contract - and the deadline for transfer's in the Women's Super League is 5.00 pm on Tuesday 31 January.

If a club cannot agree a fee with United after that deadline - Russo can agree to join a new club on a free transfer in the summer.

However if Russo wants to leave Red Devils, the club would most likely sell her immediately then let her leave for free.

Mary Earps celebrates last year's victory with teammate Alessia Russo. Credit: PA Images

She has scored 17 goals in 35 league games for the club in three years, alongside 10 goals in 17 caps for England.

Manchester United are currently top of the WSL but only on goal difference ahead of Chelsea. Arsenal are in third - three points behind United with a game in hand.

Should suicide prevention be taught in schools - we discuss the issue in the latest episode of From the North.