Martha Harris: Liverpool Ladies sign England Under-19 defender

Liverpool Ladies have made defender Martha Harris their first signing since winning the Women's Super League title.

The 19-year-old defender joins the Reds from Notts County Ladies, formerly Lincoln Ladies, on a two-year deal.

"I am delighted to be a Liverpool Ladies player and to be a part of such a successful team," said the England Under-19 international.

"This is a fantastic move for me and I am looking forward to starting training with Matt Beard and the entire squad."

Harris is a product of the Lincoln City Centre of Excellence and won the club's Player of the Year and Supporters Player of the Year awards in 2013.

She was also part of the England squad that finished runners-up in the Women's Under-19 Championship in August.

"It's fantastic to have Martha in the team," said Liverpool manager Matt Beard. "She is a very talented and versatile player who will add an extra dimension to the squad.

"Next season will be a challenging one as we fight to defend our title and it's important that we have quality players in the team who can perform to the high standard that the WSL league demands."

Liverpool lifted their first league title, beating Bristol Academy 2-0 on the final day of the season to gain entry to the 2014-15 Women's Champions League.

Meanwhile, Sara Gregorius, Sarah Quantrill, Whitney Engan and Jess Holbrook have left Liverpool,. Goalkeeper Rachael Laws has returned to Sunderland Ladies after ending her loan spell at the Halton Stadium.