Bristol City are fending off interest from five clubs for highly rated England youngster Brooke Aspin.
The 16-year-old centre back has become a regular for the Robins, who finished third in the Championship last season, and is starting to attract attention from clubs in the Women’s Super League.
Top flight clubs would not have to pay compensation for Aspin, who came through Bristol City’s academy, until she turns 18 in 2023.
England U17 captain Brooke Aspin is being targeted by several Women’s Super League clubs
The 16-year-old has impressed at Bristol City since emerging through their youth academy
The Robins were the victims of this clause when they lost Lauren Hemp to Manchester City in 2018.
Five clubs, including two who will play Champions League football next term, have declared an interest in Aspin but Bristol City are confident of holding on to the England U17 captain.
Aspin, who turns 17 on July 1, wants to play first-team football and has been given assurances she will get that with the Robins.
The Robins missed out on promotion to the WSL as Liverpool topped the Championship
Manchester City and ex-Bristol City star Lauren Hemp is now a regular England international
The club are hopeful that a promotion-winning campaign would convince Aspin to sign a professional deal when she turns 18 next year.
The defender, who is currently combining her football with academic studies as SGS College, has been described as a future Lionesses captain by one coach.
Bristol City finished 12 points behind Championship winners Liverpool but are one of the contenders to challenge for the title next season.
