Women's Super League

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leicester City are set to sign striker Hlin Eiriksdottir from Swedish side Kristianstads.

The 24-year-old was Kristianstads's top scorer in the Damallsvenskan last season with 15 goals in 25 matches.

Eiriksdottir has made 35 appearances and scored six goals for Iceland since making her senior debut in 2018.

It would be Leicester's second signing of the winter transfer window after they brought in Wales goalkeeper Olivia Clark to replace Lize Kop, who left to join Tottenham.

Amandine Miquel's side are currently 11th in the Women's Super League, four points above bottom-placed Crystal Palace.

Eiriksdottir's arrival would be seen as a big boost to Leicester, who have struggled with injuries to their attacking players this season.

French striker Noemie Mouchon was ruled out for the rest of the 2024-25 campaign after she ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in October.

The club's top two scorers from last season - Jutta Rantala and Lena Petermann - also remain sidelined because of injury, having not featured since October and November respectively.

English forward Shannon O'Brien made her first WSL start this season in the Foxes' win over Liverpool on Sunday after undergoing surgery last year.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

England forward Chloe Kelly has made it known that she wants to leave Manchester City this month but faces a race against time to agree a move.

The 27-year-old has been frustrated by a lack of game time this season and has not featured for City in January with speculation increasing.

There have been reports linking her with a loan move to Manchester United, which they claim is Kelly's preferred choice.

However, we do not know if United have made an offer.

It is believed Brighton made an enquiry earlier this month but nothing transpired.

Clubs have until 23:00 GMT on Thursday to agree transfers and Kelly hopes to secure a move in order to keep her place in England's squad for Euro 2025.

Image source, Birmingham City

Birmingham City have signed West Ham defender Shannon Cooke on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

The 24-year-old joined the Hammers on deadline day in January 2023 but has made just three starts in the Women's Super League this season.

Birmingham currently sit top of the Women's Championship, level on points with Bristol City.

"I think it's clear to see all of the work that's going into the club to help them progress and be successful and I'm really excited to be a part of that," said Cooke after signing for the Blues.

The transfer deadline is fast approaching and Women's Super League clubs have got until 23:00 GMT on Thursday to get any last-minute deals over the line.

Here's a rundown of every team's "ins" and "outs" so far, and we'll be updating it as we follow all the moves on deadline day.

Image source, BBC Sport

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Paris St-Germain are in talks over a potential move for United States international Crystal Dunn.

NJ/NY Gotham FC announced on Tuesday that the club had "mutually agreed to part ways as Dunn pursues a new opportunity".

The 32-year-old defender joined the National Women's Soccer League side in December 2023 and made 32 appearances in all competitions.

"I can't even find the words to express how incredibly sad I am," Dunn wrote on Instagram after her departure was announced.

"As I turn the page and prepare for a new chapter, I am filled with excitement for what lies ahead.

"The journey continues and I am committed to reaching new heights and pushing myself to be the absolute best version of who I am."

Dunn won the Women's World Cup with the United States in 2019, while she was also part of Emma Hayes' squad that claimed Olympic gold in Paris last summer.

PSG are third in the Premiere Ligue, eight points off leaders and reigning champions Lyon.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The biggest move on deadline day could involve England international Keira Walsh, who Chelsea are hopeful of bringing in before 23:00 GMT.

Chelsea's interest in Walsh has been long-standing and the club have been looking to bolster their midfield options since the summer.

The 27-year-old told Barcelona in September that she did not wish to extend her contract and is keen for a move back to England to be close to family.

Her current deal is due to expire in six months and Barcelona, who signed her for a then-world record fee of £400,000 in 2022, would lose her on a free this summer.

Arsenal have maintained their interest but Walsh's preference has always appeared to lean towards Chelsea.

The Women's Super League leaders have already broken the world record transfer fee this summer, signing USA defender Naomo Girma on a deal until 2029.

Barcelona have told clubs they are unwilling to sell but if Chelsea match their asking price, they might have to accept defeat with Walsh pushing for a move.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

After last night, it is set to be an explosive transfer window deadline day in the Women's Super League.

Chelsea are hopeful of wrapping up a late move for England international Keira Walsh but we are waiting to see if Barcelona will agree to a deal.

England team-mate Chloe Kelly is pushing for a move away from Manchester City and released a statement last night to argue her case.

Arsenal are set to sign USA defender Jenna Nighswonger from Gotham FC for what we believe is an £80,500 fee.

Crystal Palace are also hoping to bring at least one more player in before the 23:00 GMT deadline.

It is worth keeping an eye on Liverpool, who may get one more signing over the line to add to their squad but it could be tight.

A number of other WSL clubs are keeping their options open, including Brighton, Aston Villa and Leicester City.

Image source, Getty Images

Chloe Kelly said she has accepted that her future no longer lies with Manchester City and has released a statement asking to leave the club.

The forward said on Instagram, external that her situation is "disappointing and not right" as she pushes for a move before Thursday's 23:00 GMT transfer deadline.

It's understood Manchester City are open to allowing Chloe to leave and that the England forward is considering an offer from another club.

Here is the statement in full.

"For a long time I've tried to work through professional challenges privately, not commenting publicly, but with my situation increasingly being debated in the public domain I feel it's time to be open and transparent and you heard it from my perspective.

"A key lesson I have learned in my life is that whilst I can't control someone's negative behaviour towards me, I can control how long I am prepared to tolerate it.

"From day one, I've felt so much love from my teammates and the fans. With my contract expiring in June I've accepted my future is not at this club beyond then.

"With the Euros fast approaching, this summer is a huge one and I want to be in a position to give it my best shot to represent my country. Something which has always filled me with such pride and it is a true honour to do so. However, to be dictated whom I can and can't join with only four months left of the football season is having a huge impact on not only my career by my mental wellbeing. The situation has been dragged on for too long, it's disappointing and not right.

"I'm at a pivotal point in my life and my career is so important to me and is very disappointing that the sport we love can make you feel this way especially after there's been so much growth in our sport. This is why I'm posting this because I want to make you all aware that we as players dedicate our lives to our sport and our clubs but our dreams can be crushed whilst we live in silence.

"I am human and I have and will give everything to the game that I love. Ultimately I just want to be happy again."

Image source, Getty Images

Defender Lily Woodham's loan at Crystal Palace has been extended until the end of season.

The 24-year-old Wales international has made 11 appearances for the Women's Super League club since arriving in September from Seattle Reign.

She will remain at the club until 30 June 2025.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

West Ham defender Shannon Cooke is in discussions over a potential loan move to Birmingham City before Thursday's transfer window deadline.

The 24-year-old is hoping for more regular game time at the Women's Championship side in the second half of the season.

Cooke joined West Ham on deadline day in January 2023 but has made just three starts in the Women's Super League this season.

Birmingham City currently sit top of the Women's Championship, level on points with Bristol City.

Image source, Getty Images

Robert Vilahamn says he "loves" being head coach at Tottenham because of the collaboration between the men's and women's teams which makes it feel like one club, rather than two.

The 42-year-old Swede says he is able to make use of resources on the men's side, such as recruitment and how they scout the best players using data.

"That's great knowledge to bring to the women's game," he tells BBC Radio 5 Live's Women's Football Weekly podcast. "That collaboration is amazing.

"You don't feel like you're one club and two teams, you feel like you are one club and you have different areas within that club and that's why I love to work here."

Vilahamn says he has regular contact with Ange Postecoglou, who manages the men's side.

"Me and Ange meet basically every month to speak about football," he says. "We don't play exactly the same style but we play with a certain identity and we play with a certain style of bravery and attacking style.

"When you do that it's also really nice to feel like you're part of something bigger than just your team. Tottenham want to have that approach and that makes it really fun to be here.

"It's not like I'm sitting there and he's just telling me what to do, we actually have a decent conversation.

"To have that, [so] emotionally that you feel connected to the whole club, that's brilliant."

The latest episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Women's Football Weekly is now available on BBC Sounds.

In this week's podcast, Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines talk the record signing of US defender Naomi Girma who has joined Chelsea from San Diego Wave for £900,000.

Is there any stopping Chelsea who go seven points clear at the top of the table and what does this mean for the rest of the WSL?

Ben also caught up with Spurs boss Robert Vilahamn who gave an insight into recruitment and how he would like to see more female coaches coming through.

Listen to the latest episode.

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Brighton have moved Wednesday's FA Cup fourth-round tie against Durham to their training ground because of heavy rainfall.

The match was due to be played at Broadfield Stadium but rain has left the pitch "potentially" unplayable, the club said.

"With the support of the Football Association we have taken the proactive decision to switch the tie to the training ground," a statement added.

The match will now be played at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre, with a 19:00 GMT kick-off.

All tickets bought by home fans have been refunded because of the limited capacity of the training ground, but the club will now release 150 tickets for season ticket holders.

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Everton boss Brian Sorensen says the club's new owners, The Friedkin Group, are considering a number of options for where the women's team will play their home games in the future.

The Toffees have staged the majority of their games at Walton Hall Park since 2020, although the team has played some high-profile matches at Goodison Park.

Asked if a groundshare with the men's side at Everton's new stadium, which is opening next season, is an option, Sorensen told BBC Radio Merseyside: "Yeah I think so, but I don't think [the new owners] have ruled anything out, that's for sure.

"They are very open-minded. It's just what is best for the women's programme?

"Is it building Walton Hall Park out so it looks like Kingsmeadow, is it finding another venue, is it going into the new stadium?

"We have better people than me to make those decisions in terms of what's best for the long-term programme on the women's side, so let's see what they come up with but I just know they are very supportive."

Image source, Getty Images

Aston Villa goalkeeper Sophia Poor has joined London City Lionesses on loan until the end of the season.

The 18-year-old joined Villa in 2023 and has gone on to make two senior appearances, both coming at the end of last season.

Women's Championship club London City Lionesses are pushing for promotion to the top tier.

Villa signed West Ham goalkeeper Katelin Talbert on loan for the rest of the season so Poor leaves in search of regular game time.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Chelsea have shown interest in United States midfielder Sam Coffey before Thursday's transfer window deadline in the Women's Super League.

The 26-year-old defensive midfielder is currently playing for National Women's Soccer League side Portland Thorns, who she joined in 2022.

Sources close to the player and the club claim her party has had informal discussions with Chelsea this month but she is currently training in Arizona, preparing for the 2025 season.

Coffey was part of the USA squad which won gold at last summer's Olympic Games and started in the final against Brazil.

Chelsea have made just one signing so far in January but it was a significant one as they broke the world record transfer fee for a female player to bring in USA defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave for £900,000.

Sonia Bompastor's side have been looking at defensive midfielders to recruit since the summer.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Manchester City captain Steph Houghton said Chelsea's signing of Naomi Girma for a women's world record fee is "a lesson for all the other clubs".

The United States defender joined from San Diego Wave this week for about £900,000 and Houghton fears the spending gap between the league's top teams and the rest could make the WSL less competitive.

"I'm undecided," Houghton told BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club when asked if it is a good signing for the Women's Super League.

"It is massive for women's football, especially in England and this league. It is a big statement for Chelsea.

"My worry is that it is going to be two or three teams that are buying the best players, so what happens to the rest of the league? This is a lesson for all the other clubs that they need to start investing, they need to put their money to make this as competitive as possible.

"We want to make the WSL the best and the only way you can do that is by having games every week that are competitive and not so predictable. We want owners and footballers to go 'we're going to take this seriously. This is not about putting in as little as possible'.

"You have to go and invest in players and the professionalism of the game and the standard and the likes of Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal have done that for a long time. It is now about other clubs really biting the bullet and saying 'this is where we want to be and this is what we need to do for the game in general'."