Maidstone-born Alessia Russo could be about to become the most expensive female footballer in the world.

Reports in the national media claim Arsenal have had a world-record bid for the Manchester United forward turned down.

But the Gunners are unlikely to be put off and could test United's resolve with an increased offer before today's 5pm Women's Super League transfer deadline.

The current record fee is the £400,000 Spanish giants Barcelona paid Manchester City for Russo's England team-mate Keira Walsh last September.

Russo, 23, is a lifelong United fan but her Old Trafford contract runs out this summer.

She is said to have turned down an extension before starring in the Lionesses' European Championship triumph.

And with no progress in talks, United could be tempted to cash in on the striker rather than risk losing her for free.

Russo is already free to talk to foreign clubs, as she is in the final six months of her current deal, and has been linked with a return to America, where she attended university.

WSL champions Chelsea - where Russo started her senior career - and French club Lyon are seen as other possible suitors.

Russo went to East Farleigh Primary School and St Simon Stock Secondary School in Maidstone, playing junior football for Bearsted.

Her standing in women's football - already high after finishing as United's 11-goal leading scorer last season - went through the roof with her Euro exploits.

She scored four goals in six substitute appearances as England won the tournament on home soil, including a stunning backheel in the semi-final win over Sweden.

Russo is up for the Fifa Puskas Award for "most aesthetically significant goal" following her effort against the Swedes.

Previous winners include Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.