Manchester Utd make official approach to sign Aston Villa teenager Evie Rabjohn

Manchester United have made an official approach to sign highly rated defender Evie Rabjohn from Aston Villa.

Rabjohn, 17, made her debut for England U19's in October and was called up to the squad again for fixtures this month.

The defender made her first Women's Super League start in a 5-0 victory over Leicester at the end of March.

Rabjohn, who is yet to make a decision on her future, does not turn 18 until April 28.

Sportsmail understands United informed Villa of their intent to sign Rabiohn in the last 24 hours, as part of a drive to sign the best young domestic talent.

They are the first club to make their move for the youngster official and, as per FA regulations, now have to wait seven days from the date of their approach before they are able to discuss personal terms with the player's representatives.

United may face competition from Chelsea, who are known admirers of Rabjohn, and are understood to be keen to sign an elite hometown centre-back as part of a long-term succession plan.

Should United be successful in their bid to sign the youngster, Villa would not receive any compensation.

FA rules state that players in the women's game can move before signing a first professional contract at 18 without their club receiving a fee.

This is in contrast to the men's game, which has a detailed system of compensation that has been established by FIFA.

It is a rule that several clubs in the WSL have lobbied the FA to change for the last two years.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has previously called for the FA to introduce transfer fees for players under the age of 18, despite rule arguably benefitting her club.

'We can't sign a player until they're 18. You can develop anyone 12, 13 - Lauren James, good example, Alessio Russo for us,' Hayes said in August.

'At (the age of) 16 someone else can say 'hey, we're signing them', a week you get no compensation, nothing. That has to change because I think it will force the hands of Chelsea's and Arsenal's.'