Manchester United set to sign England youth goalkeeper Kayla Rendell from Southampton

Manchester United are expected to complete the signing of goalkeeper Kayla Rendell from Southampton.

The 23-year-old has represented her country at every youth level and received her first call-up to Sarina Wiegman’s senior squad in April 2024. She was also named on the standby list and part of the team ahead of England’s 2025 European Championship qualifiers but withdrew with an ankle injury.

United want to provide more competition for their No 1 Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who replaced Mary Earps following her departure to Paris Saint-Germain in the summer. Safia Middleton-Patel is United’s second-choice goalkeeper but manager Marc Skinner was hesitant to confirm the 20-year would be given an opportunity in their fourth round FA Cup tie against third-tier side West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

“Maybe. Maybe not,” Skinner said on Friday. “Phallon (Tullis-Joyce) needs to get into the season as well, up and running. I also need to get cohesion in this game. We do have three big games coming up in the next part of the season. It’s something we’re assessing today.”

Rendell, who is due to become United’s first signing of the January transfer window, is also a homegrown player which allows United more freedom to buy outfield players from overseas in the future.

Rendell joined Southampton aged 15 and has risen through the academy ranks. Having started 21 and 20 league games in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 campaigns respectively, she has not made a league appearance this season and has been back-up to fellow England youth international Fran Stenson.

Hayley Ladd has left United for Everton on a permanent move this January while the club have also loaned out Emma Watson and Jess Simpson to Everton and Bristol City respectively.

United are fourth in the Women’s Super League table, level on points with Arsenal and start their defence of the FA Cup this weekend.

This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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