Just in: Chelsea star eyeing return up north to Man Utd, ready to bypass contract option to force move

Millie Bright is ready to cut ties with Chelsea after a whopping 12 years and 300 appearances – and sign for English rivals Manchester United. Indeed, SportsBoom has revealed that the centre-half, who is Chelsea’s longest-serving player on the books, is poised to complete a surprise exit this summer as she eyes a switch further north.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYWhy Millie Bright wants United moveChesterfield-born Bright wants to depart London and oversee a move closer to home, with United posing as her ‘preferred destination’.Her contract with the Blues contains a 12-month option for her to stay until June 2027. However, the 32-year-old will inform the board that she’d rather bypass the clause and instead leave as a free agent in three months’ time.In turn, United would be able to welcome one of the most experienced and decorated players of the women’s game to their ranks for nothing, which will tempt Marc Skinner ahead of yet another crucial campaign of building the Red Devils’ pedigree in the league and, ideally, Europe.How Bright has fared throughout her senior careerBright claimed a hugely impressive 88 caps for England prior to her international retirement last October, as well as lifting the Euros in 2022, two Arnold Clark Cups, and finishing as a runner-up in the 2023 World Cup final.At club level, she has garnered a remarkable honours’ list, including eight Women’s Super League titles, six FA Cups and four League Cups, the latter of which she added to when Chelsea defeated United 2-0 at Ashton Gate in the final on March 15, although Bright was unavailable for the tie due to injury.As things stand, United have yet to open negotiations with the veteran’s representatives, but will likely do so in the coming weeks, given she has made clear her desire to join Skinner’s side.