Earps Gunner make more headlines during January transfer window

Mary Earps' future is set to be a major taking point during the January transfer window.

The goalkeeper has just six months left on her Manchester United contract and would upgrade any potential suitors between the sticks.

After a stellar 12 months for Earps, we take a look at what the future could hold for her. 

Mary's moment

The England international, 30, is one of the biggest talents in the women's game after being named as the Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper in February, picking up the 2023 World Cup Golden Glove and being named on the New Year Honours list in the past 12 months.

And her crowning as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year last month was the cherry on the top for a breakthrough year for the Nottingham-born stopper.

With time running down on her United deal, Earps has many options on the table.

And with Arsenal rumoured to be interested in recruiting her this month, she is set to remain in the headlines.

Deserves more

Arguably the best keeper on the planet, Earps must now consider how she can get her hands on honours at club level.

The Euro 2022 winner has yet to lift major silverware domestically and that drought is unlikely to end should she stay at United for the rest of the season.

Marc Skinner's side are out of the Champions League and are seven points off the pace in the Women's Super League.

And watching Alessio Russo leave United for Arsenal last July could inspire Earps to make a similar move.

Arsenal interest 

The Gunners reportedly had a big-money move for Earps turned down last year but that may not put them off.

While they could wait until the summer to land the goalkeeper on a free, the temptation must exist to stump up the cash to sign her this month.

Jonas Eidevall's side are also out of Europe but have a shot at winning the WSL and appear further ahead in their development than the Red Devils.

Earps may fancy waiting for her contract to expire to up the value of her next deal — or could jump at the chance of immediate success in North London.

Holding out hope

Earps is not only a superb goalkeeper but hugely popular and commercially viable.

Those traits will appeal to United, who have not given up on keeping hold of their star keeper.

Skinner recently said: "Of course I want Mary to stay. The club are working with Mary on what the deal looks like.

"I sit here hopeful. I play Mary because of how good she is for us. I want Mary to stay at this club."

But with interest bound to increase as a new transfer window opens, there can be no guarantees.