Tinja-Riikka Korpela: Everton Ladies sign goalkeeper as four defenders sign new deals

Tinja-Riikka Korpela spent more than three years with Bayern Munich before joining Valerenga in 2018

Finland goalkeeper Tinja-Riikka Korpela has joined Women's Super League side Everton, who have given new deals to defenders Gabby George, Taylor Hinds, Georgia Brougham and Megan Finnigan.

Korpela, 33, arrives from Norwegian side Valerenga on a one-year contract.

England international George, 22 - who became Everton's first full-time professional in 2017 - has signed a two-year contract, as have 23-year-old Brougham and Finnigan, 21.

Hinds, 20, has agreed a one-year deal.

"It's very important that we invest in and retain our best, young, talented players," said boss Willie Kirk.

"All four of them have accumulated a lot of WSL minutes over the last few years, allowing them to mature as players. They are an important part of our ambitious future."

Everton finished second-bottom in the WSL in 2018-19, with Kirk guiding the Toffees to survival after taking over as manager in December 2018.

BBC Sport has launched #ChangeTheGame this summer to showcase female athletes in a way they never have been before. Through more live women's sport available to watch across the BBC this summer, complemented by our journalism, we are aiming to turn up the volume on women's sport and alter perceptions. Find out more here.