Manchester City’s pursuit of Jennifer Echegini has been dealt a setback after Paris St-Germain rejected several offers for the Nigeria midfielder.
Echegini, 25, is regarded as an important member of the PSG squad and the French club are unwilling to sanction her departure with a year still remaining on her contract.
The player joined PSG two years ago after a season with Juventus. She spent much of her youth career in England and has since established herself as a Nigeria international.
Echegini scored the winning goal in last year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, helping Nigeria secure a record-extending 10th title.
Manchester City have until Thursday’s transfer deadline to complete any further business before the Women’s Super League season begins this weekend.
The club’s interest comes after Vivianne Miedema, who can operate in midfield or attack, was ruled out of the start of the campaign with a knee injury.
PSG are due to face Eintracht Frankfurt in a Women’s Champions League third-round qualifying tie on Wednesday evening, with Echegini expected to remain part of their plans unless City can reach an agreement.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have agreed terms to sign France defender Elisa de Almeida from PSG. The fee is understood in France to be about £550,000, with the 28-year-old expected to complete her move before Thursday’s deadline.
De Almeida is available for PSG’s match against Frankfurt before travelling to London to finalise the transfer.
