Man United lead race to sign North Carolina Courage midfielder Denise O'Sullivan... with the Irish international out of contract later this year

Manchester United are leading the race to sign Republic of Ireland international Denise O’Sullivan from North Carolina Courage.

The midfielder is out of contract when the National Women’s Soccer League season ends in November and would be available on a free transfer in January.

But Mail Sport understands United are expected to make a bid for O’Sullivan this summer.

The 30-year-old, who is a lifelong United fan, has previously been offered a new contract by her current club but it is thought she is open to the move.

Mail Sport reported in December that multiple clubs across Europe were interested in O’Sullivan ahead of her contract expiring this year.

O’Sullivan has over 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland and would add some experience to United’s midfield.

During her time at the Courage, she has won two NWSL Championships, two Challenge Cups and three NWSL Shields.

O’Sullivan has previously played in the WSL, having joined Brighton on loan in 2020.

The move came about in order for her to be available for Ireland’s rescheduled Euro 2022 qualifiers, as travelling back and forth from the US would have forced her to undergo three separate two-week periods of quarantine within nine weeks.

O’Sullivan started her career with local Irish side Wilton United before spells with Peamount United and Cork City.

She enjoyed three successful years with Glasgow City between 2013 and 2016 before making the move across the pond to join Houston Dash.

In 2017, she made the switch to the Courage but has had loan spells with Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers.