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      Women’s Super League January transfer window – round-up of top-flight moves including at Chelsea and Man Utd

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      THE January transfer window is well and truly shut with 28 WSL deals sealed including deadline day arrivals at Tottenham, West Ham and Bristol City.
      And it has been a busy month in the Women’s Championship with Leicester City, Charlton and Coventry United among the sides strengthening their ranks.

      West Ham ace Cho So-hyun has sealed a loan move to London rivals TottenhamCredit: Rex Features

      The 2021 winter transfer window for the Women’s Super League closed at 5:00 pm on January 28 for domestic deals and midnight on January 29 for signings from abroad.
      WSL DEADLINE DAY SIGNINGS 
      TOTTENHAM
      Cho So-hyun has given Tottenham a midfield boost by sealing a deadline day loan switch from London rivals West Ham. 

      The midfield ace, who made 33 Hammers appearances after joining the Irons in January 2019, could be in contention for a starting spot when Spurs face Chelsea.
      Cho, 32, who scored the penalty that sent Hammers through the 2019 Women’s FA Cup Final, is one of South Korea’s most celebrated players. 
      And the playmaker, who captains her national team, holds the record for the most caps for South Korea with 126. 
      Spurs say Cho’s loan will run until the end of the season with the option to make the move permanent.

      Tottenham have the option of making Cho’s loan move permanent at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      WEST HAM
      Dagný Brynjarsdóttir has become West Ham’s second signing under new boss Olli Harder after agreeing to a one-and-a-half-year move.
      The lifelong Irons fan sealed her dream switch following a stint with Icelandic Super Cup winners Selfoss from 2019 to 2021.
      The midfielder – capped 90 times by Iceland – played 53 times for US club Portland Thorns from 2016 to 2019. 
      And the former Bayern Munich player, 29, has scored 28 times for her country. 
      Her move follows Emily van Egmond agreeing to a permanent switch to the Irons from Orlando Pride.

      Dagný Brynjarsdóttir sealed a deadline day move to West Ham from Icelandic side SelfossCredit: Rex Features

      BRISTOL CITY
      The Robins have waved goodbye to Australia ace Chloe Logarzo who netted four goals in eight appearances after joining on a one-and-half-year deal in 2020. 
      The Matildas ace, 26, is joining Scotland skipper Rachel Corsie at National Women’s Soccer League side Kansas City for an undisclosed fee.
      Meanwhile, Matt Beard’s side, who will play Brighton, have been boosted by their loan signings of Reading centre-back Kiera Skeels, and Everton playmaker Molly Pike. 
      Both players are due to remain with the club until the end of this season. 

      Everton’s Molly Pike, 20, will be spending the rest of the season on loan at BristolCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      FOUR OF THE BIGGEST MOVES    
      Abby Dahlkemper – From North Carolina Courage to Manchester City
      Gareth Taylor’s side made a huge statement of title-chasing intent by landing Abby Dahlkemper on a two-and-a-half-year deal. 
      The USA defender played in every single one of the USA’s matches in the run-up to their 2019 World Cup triumph in France.
      Dahlkemper, 27, is the third big-name US star to join City following the summer signings of Sam Mewis and Rose Lavelle. 
      And the centre-back’s old club North Carolina Courage has made headlines with tennis star Naomi Osaka becoming their newest investor. 
      Jill Scott – From Manchester City to Everton
      Jill Scott, 33, made a fairytale return to the Toffees from Manchester City following her first spell with the Merseyside outfit from 2006 to 2013.
      The England veteran, who made two starts for parent club City, sealed a temporary switch until the end of the season in search of more game time. 
      Scott’s move preceded Toffees’ loan swoop for Hammers star Alisha Lehmann.
      The midfielder’s move is seen as another sign of the ambition of Willie Kirk’s fifth-place side who are targeting Champions League qualification. 

      Abby Dahlkemper became the third USA international to join Manchester City this termCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow

      Jill Scott could be in line to make her first appearance for Everton when they play Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mana Iwabuchi – From INAC Kobe Leonessa to Aston Villa
      Mana Iwabuchi has been making waves with her quality performances for Aston Villa following her January arrival at the club. 
      The Japan ace, who won the World Cup in 2011, confirmed her loan move to Villans back in December.  
      The forward, 27, registered her first WSL goal during her club’s 2-2 draw against Reading earlier this month.
      And head coach Gemma Davies believes Iwabuchi could give the relegation-battling Villans more firepower up top.
      The club have scored just six goals in 11 WSL games. 
      Davies said: “Moving forward I think she can fill a void where we’ve been lacking.”

      Mana Iwabuchi has been on target for Aston Villa following her January 2021 arrivalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Damaris Egurrola – From Everton to Lyon
      Damaris Egurrola grabbed headlines with her six-figure transfer to the French champions. 
      The Spain ace, 21, played in 10 games for Everton after joining the Toffees in September, including an appearance in the club’s 3-1 FA Cup final loss to Manchester City. 
      Egurrola joined a Lyon side who hold the record for the most Champions League tournament wins with seven trophies.   
      The Ligue 1 Women’s giants swooped for the Spain defensive midfielder after reportedly triggering her £100,000 release clause. 

      WSL Transfer Moves

      Arsenal 
      Anna Patten (Defender) – From Florida State University 
      Aston Villa 
      Mana Iwabuchi (Striker/playmaker) –  Loan from INAC Kobe Leonessa 
      Birmingham City
      Veatrika Sarri (Forward) – From Sheffield United 
      Ruesha Littlejohn (Striker) – From Leicester City 
      Emily Murphy (Forward) – Loan from Chelsea 
      Out – Destiney Toussaint (Defender) – Moved to Coventry City from Birmingham
      Brighton and Hove Albion
      Out – Denise O’ Sullivan (Midfielder) – Ended loan to return to North Carolina Courage
      Bristol City 
      Kiera Skeels (Centre-back) Loan from Reading 
      Molly Pike (Attacking midfielder) Loan from Everton
      Chelsea 
      Zecira Musovic (Goalkeeper) – From FC Rosengard
      Out – Emily Murphy (Forward) – Loan to Birmingham City
      Everton 
      Jill Scott (Midfielder/defender) – Loan from Manchester City 
      Alisha Lehmann (Forward) – Loan from West Ham
      Out – Damaris Egurrola (Midfielder) – Transfer to Lyon
      Manchester United 
      Maria Thorisdottir (Centre-back) – From Chelsea 
      Out -Lotta Okvist (Full-back) – Transfer to Göteborg FC
      Out – Abbie McManus (Defender) – Loan to Tottenham
      Manchester City 
      Abby Dahlkemper (Defender) – From the North Carolina Courage
      Reading 
      Emma Harries (Midfielder)- Royals academy starlet signed a two-and-a-half-year deal which is her first professional contract.
      Out – Sophie Quirk (Forward) – Moved to London Bees from the Royals
      Tottenham 
      Cho So-hyun (Playmaker) – Loan from West Ham 
      Shelina Zadorsky (Defender) – From Orlando Pride 
      Alanna Kennedy (Defender/midfielder) – From Orlando Pride
      Abbie McManus (Defender) – Loan from Manchester United
      Out – Alex Morgan (Forward) – Returned to Orlando Pride
      West Ham 
      Dagný Brynjarsdóttir (Midfielder) – From Selfoss 
      Emily van Egmond (Midfielder) – From Orlando Pride
      Out – Rachel Daly (Forward) – Ended Hammers loan to return to Houston Dash
      Out – Ruby Grant (Midfielder) – Moved to University of North Carolina
      Out – Cho So-hyun (Midfielder) – Loan to Tottenham

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      South Korea captain Cho So-hyun seals transfer from West Ham to arch rivals Tottenham

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      CHO SO-HYUN has switched allegiances from West Ham to arch rivals Tottenham.
      The South Korea skipper, 32, arrived at the Hammers in January 2019, from Norwegian club Avaldsnes IL.

      Cho So-hyun has switched from West Ham to SpursCredit: Rex Features

      She is one of the East London club’s most experienced players, as skipper of her country and with the most caps for the international team.
      Cho will reunite with men’s South Korea captain Son Heung-min, at the North London club.
      The move to seventh place Spurs will be a step up for midfield maestro, given that West Ham are third from bottom.
      She is in contention to face Chelsea on Sunday, where she will reunite with her national teammate Ji So-yun.

      Cho is also known to be a respected figure in the Hammers’ dressing room and is often helping guide the youngsters.
      She was an integral part of the West Ham side which historically reached the FA Cup final for the first time ever, in their inaugural WSL season.

      It was her penalty in a shootout with Reading that secured the spot at Wembley in May 2019, and she has made 33 appearances in total.
      The South Korea ace spent six years with Avaldsnes IL in the WK League, helping them win the top-flight title in four campaigns.

      She is the second West Ham casualty of the January transfer window, with striker Alisha Lehmann moving to Everton for a season long loan on Monday.

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      Aston Villa 0 Chelsea 4: Blues break record for longest WSL unbeaten run with crushing victory

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      EMMA HAYES praised her Chelsea aces for breaking the record for the longest unbeaten Women’s Super League run after thrashing Aston Villa 4-0
      Sam Kerr and Beth England opened the floodgates with the team going top after notching their 32nd game without defeat – surpassing Manchester City’s milestone.

      Chelsea now hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in the WSLCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The WSL champs will be looking to continue their winning run when they play TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Hayes said: “It’s not a trophy, but it is a record that shows just how consistent this team has been over the last couple of years. 
      “I think there is a reason we have been the champions and not just because of that record, but because of the consistent levels in the performance. 
      “And that’s what happens when you have got such a great group of people.
      “I represent a fantastic bunch who put a shift in. They work hard and I am very proud of all of them and everybody who works for the football club.

      “I know it’s a big achievement but I learn with the highs and lows of winning and losing. 
      “You have to remove all the emotion from that and you have to constantly remind yourself of the daily processes you have to go through in order to get a win.”
      Villa, playing their first game under interim gaffer Marcus Bignot, were looking to avoid conceding early as they had done against Reading and Man City previously.
      But any hopes of this were blown away by Sam Kerr’s thunderous third-minute volley in off the crossbar to put the champs ahead. 

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      Pernille Harder was on target for Chelsea scoring their third goal against Aston VillaCredit: Reuters

      And the visitors were on target again shortly after the half hour mark with Kerr turning provider for Beth England’s bullet header. 
      Villa, who had to battle to get forward, had a few attacking forays in the visitors’ half.
      Their strongest chance came when Nadine Hanssen slid Mana Iwabuchi through, with the Japan ace almost scoring by nutmegging Carly Telford.
      However, strikes from Pernille Harder and Magdalena Eriksson in the final 30 minutes wrapped things up for the Blues ahead of their derby clash with Tottenham on Sunday.   
      Chelsea’s record-breaking effort comes during a dramatic week for the club and two days after the sacking of men’s coach Frank Lampard. 
      And Hayes praised the efforts of the Blues ex-Prem boss who she believes has left a good foundation for new manager Thomas Tuchel.
      Hayes added: “Look, I have been at the football club a long time and I accept the nature of our business, and I accept that results are of paramount importance, and it’s always sad to see managers lose their jobs 
      “I’m sad for that reason and I’m equally excited to see Thomas. I admire his football and I’m looking forward to seeing how that is implemented.

      Mana Iwabuchi and her Villa team-mates will play Arsenal nextCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “I think Frank has left him a wonderful group to build upon.”
      Aston Villa, who have lost three of their last four WSL games, face a tricky clash with another London side in Arsenal. 
      And Villa’s new manager Bignot said: “We need to understand our roles and responsibilities and bring some of that desire that we did show during periods of the game to Arsenal.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Guiseley gaffer Bignot becomes Villa Women’s interim boss with Davies leading coaching staff

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      MARCUS BIGNOT is taking charge of Aston Villa Women following a shake-up of the WSL side’s management structure. 
      The ex-Birmingham City Women’s boss has become Villa’s new interim manager until the end of the season – with Gemma Davis running the team’s coaching personnel. 

      Marcus Bignot has been appointed Aston Villa Women’s interim managerCredit: PA:Empics Sport

      Bignot’s appointment comes ahead of a tricky midweek clash with Chelsea, who are yet to lose a league game this season. 
      And Villa’s sporting director Eniola Aluko confirmed Bignot will take charge of team selection, tactics and training in a post on Twitter. 

      On Villa’s website, Bignot said: “I am delighted to be able to help at such a progressive club in women’s football. It is also a great opportunity to mentor a talented young coaching group led by Gemma.”
      Aluko added: “Marcus is a very welcome addition to our club and has an enormous amount of experience in the game which we want to tap into.”

      Bignot, 46, worked as Birmingham City Women’s manager for seven years from 1998 and was credited with overhauling the club’s youth set-up. 
      And the former QPR full-back went on to coach Solihull Moors, Grimsby Town, Barrow and Chester between 2011 and 2018. 
      Bignot, who is an England Under-19s coach and joint-manager of National League outfit Guiseley, will juggle his current roles with his new post. 

      Aston Villa have picked up just seven points from 10 games this termCredit: Rex Features

      Villa are second from bottom in the top tier after drawing one and winning just two of their 10 league games played this term.

      And the Midlands outfit – who signed Japan superstar Mana Iwabuchi on a temporary deal – are battling to avoid a drop back into the Championship. 
      They currently have a game in hand on league strugglers Bristol City with the Robins five points behind.

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      Norway skipper Mjelde extends Chelsea stay as Hayes and Blues target Champions League win

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      MAREN MJELDE has given a Chelsea boost by agreeing to extend her contract with the champs until June 2022.
      And the Norway ace is targeting triumph in Europe with Emma Hayes’s side aiming to snatch Lyon’s Champions League crown.

      Maren Mjelde’s new deal will see her remain at Chelsea until 2022 with the possibility of an extension Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      The tough-tackling midfielder, who joined Chelsea in 2017 has her hopes pinned on domestic and European glory this season.
      The Blues, who are due to play Aston Villa, are aiming to become the first WSL team since Arsenal to win the biggest prize in women’s club football in Europe. 
      Mjelde, 31, told Chelsea’s website: “Of course, we want to win everything in England first, that is important. We also want to compete in Europe, we feel we belong there.
      ‘Last year, we were not able to compete because of the previous season’s performances. That was really hard for us.

      ‘For me personally and for the team, we really want to win the Champions League. That is one of the biggest reasons why I still want to be here because I feel like this team can do it. 
      Mjelde has made 55 appearances for Emma Hayes side since joining the giants from Norwegian side Avaldsnes Idrettslag in January 2017. 
      In that time the Norway captain has won two league titles, a league cup and an FA Cup with the club.
      And this term Mjelde has made nine starts including an appearance in the Blues pivotal home win against title rivals Man United. 

      Mjelde said: “When I came to Chelsea it was a really good team. I felt it was some levels up from the club I played for before. 
      “You can see there has been a lot of changes. In my first season, we got to the semi-finals of the Champions League but we were not close at all.

      Maren Mjelde and her Chelsea team-mates hope to win the Women’s Champions League this termCredit: PA:Press Association

      “The year after, against Lyon, we were pretty close to reaching the final. That’s the direction we want to go.”
      Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green added: “She (Maren) is one of the leaders within the group and has played a big part in the team’s success over the years.
      “Having performed at the highest level for many years, we have no doubt her experience and quality will continue to help the club achieve success.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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      Arsenal boss Montemurro dismisses Miedema bid rumours and opens up on Gunners team spirit

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      JOE MONTEMURRO has brushed off speculation of a Lyon bid for Arsenal goal machine Vivianne Miedema. 
      And the Gunners boss admits lockdown restrictions have put a dampener on team socials.

      Joe Montemurro says Arsenal have received a bid for Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Rex Features

      Montemurro says Vivianne Miedema is ‘really happy’ at ArsenalCredit: Rex Features

      Miedema, 24, has been in fine form for the Gunners becoming the Women’s Super League all-time top scorer this term beating the record set by Nikita Parris.  
      And French outlet RMC Sport claims Lyon have been in talks over a bid for the Netherlands star who moved to Arsenal from Bayern Munich in 2017. 
      However, Montemurro, 51, says his club have not been approached about a swoop for the forward, whose current contract expires in 2022.
      Montemurro said: “From our perspective there has been absolutely nothing. 

      “And Viv is smiling, she’s really happy. She’s here to make sure that she does the best for the team. 
      “These are the discussions that I’m having with her every week and she’s training really well. 
      “I don’t think anyone has received anything from anyone. What happens in the future, I can’t predict.”
      Arsenal, who play Aston Villa next, reportedly have no plans to bring in more players in the January transfer window following the signing of Anna Patten. 

      The Gunners have dropped to fourth following the postponement of their West Ham clash and Manchester City leapfrogging them after beating Brighton. 
      And Montemurro says the club have had to come up with imaginative ways of managing team spirit with lockdown restrictions affecting player get-togethers. 
      The Arsenal manager added: “It’s so hard because you are fabricating a lot of things that are so natural like going for a coffee or going for dinners. 
      “On Saturday nights a lot of the girls would go out and have a meal together before the Sunday game
      “I’d be lying if I said it was all happy and jolly. It has been very, very tough. 
      “We try to make training as fun as possible although there is obviously the seriousness and importance of preparing for games. 

      Arsenal are due to play Aston Villa next in the league Credit: Represented by ZUMA Press, Inc.

      “The big thing for us is to try to be available if they want to call, talk or chat. 
      “We have had some of our other staff members doing trivia games on Zoom. 
      “We are doing whatever we can do within the restrictions.”
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news from The Emirates

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      Brighton 1 Manchester City 7: Houghton and Weir help City demolish Albion and leapfrog Arsenal

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      GARETH TAYLOR hailed Caroline Weir’s classy double after Manchester City stuffed the Seagulls 7-1. 
      And the City gaffer praised Steph Houghton for becoming the first player in Women’s Super League history to make 150 appearances in the division. 

      Steph Houghton has made more WSL appearances than other player in the leagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Caroline Weir netted a quick-fire first-half brace for Manchester CityCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Houghton said: “Remembering my first game in the WSL up to now it’s come such a long way. 
      “To be part of women’s football and how much it’s grown, and to represent two amazing clubs in Arsenal and Manchester City is a real honour. 
      “It’s a special moment and hopefully there are a lot more to come”
      Weir’s four-minute brace set the stage for a forgettable afternoon for the Seagulls. 

      And the thumping scoreline will serve as a warning to City’s title rivals with Taylor’s team now third and just three behind Arsenal’s goal difference tally of 30. 
      Taylor said: “I thought there were a number of good performances. I thought Caroline Weir – for 45 minutes – showed her class when it mattered and contributed well. 
      “I thought the second and fourth goals were excellent goals from back to front 
      “It’s taken a little bit of time for us to get our build-up play right, but I have always felt comfortable that we usually arrive in the final third in good control. 

      “It was just that when we got there in certain moments – as we did against Brighton earlier on in the season – the decision-making was slightly off or players weren’t in the right position. 
      “But I think some of our play in recent weeks and certainly in the build-up to Christmas has been great.”
      The last encounter between the Seagulls and their visitors ended in an impressive 0-0 draw with Hope Powell’s team coming close to snatching a win at the Academy Stadium.  
      But any signs of a repeat were blown away with Weir poking home from close range in the 17th minute before netting a second moments later. 

      Steph is a great ambassador for the club and I thought she capped off that landmark not just with her first goal but with a brilliant effort for her second
      Gareth Taylor

      From there the floodgates opened with Steph Houghton netting the first of her two goals close to half-time.  
      The second period was a similar story with no let-up from the visitors with Ellen White converting a 58th minute Chloe Kelly Cross. 
      And Steph Houghton picked up her second with a sublime free-kick four minutes later. 
      Taylor added: “Steph is a great ambassador for the club and I thought she capped off that landmark not just with her first goal but with a brilliant effort for her second. 
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      Manchester City are third in the table and five points behind leaders Man UnitedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “You won’t see many better free-kicks than that.” 
      Rianna Jarrett snatched a consolation goal in the 69th minute Brighton battling to the stem wave of City attacks. 
      But hopes of keeping the scoreline down were thwarted with Chloe Kelly and Janine Beckie netting within four minutes of each other to wrap up the 7-1 win in normal time. 
      Seagulls boss Hope Powell said: “They were far better than us. They were very clinical and moved the ball very, very well. 

      Brighton are ninth in the table and have lost three of their last four gamesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We couldn’t match it really so I think credit to them. We weren’t on it today and had a bit of a makeshift team. I’m pleased with the way we had a go, but we were just not good enough.” 
      West Ham are up next for Gareth Taylor’s side before they visit Arsenal for a tantalising title clash. 
      And Brighton – who have lost three of their last four games – will face Bristol City.

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      Phil Neville has left a young, talented Lionesses squad… now England have to go and win a trophy

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      THERE has been a mixed reaction to Phil Neville’s England reign after he quit early for Inter Miami.
      But there ARE positives to take from his time in charge, having taken the Lionesses to the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.

      Phil Neville had clear ups and downs during his three years in charge of the England women’s teamCredit: PA:Press Association

      David Beckham has now recruited Phil Neville to boss Inter MiamiCredit: Instagram

      I have criticised the women’s performances since and England have dropped from second to sixth in the world rankings during his time in charge.
      But you only have to look at the outpouring of tributes from the players to know he had an incredibly close bond with them.
      Neville gave debuts to Georgia Stanway, 22, Leah Williamson, 23, and Keira Walsh, 23, who are now among the senior superstars.
      These youngsters have got to tap into their full potential now and go on to win a major tournament.

      When you look at the development of women’s football in this country, momentum has always come off the back of the Lionesses doing well.
      The next generation want  winners, so anything other than getting our hands on a Euros or a World Cup is now deemed a failure, which shows how far the team has come.
      We need the younger players to now make their mark.
      Sports scientist Dawn Scott will be our secret weapon, having helped the USA win two World Cups.

      Collectively, it would be great to see an improvement in our fitness  and physicality.

      Ex-England and Man Utd defender took the Lionesses to the 2019 World Cup semis but they dropped from second to sixth in the rankings under himCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Players will dominate if they look to the likes of Lucy Bronze, who sets the standard for work rate.
      If the Tokyo Olympics go ahead this year, women’s football has to take advantage.
      But with Neville gone, Team GB need a new leader — it’s a big hole to fill and they must move fast.
      It worries me that we don’t know who will be leading that team yet.
      I would love to see Manchester United manager Casey Stoney lead the side.
      She has built United from scratch and turned them into a title-chasing side in just four years. She  has also played at the Olympics.
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      I know  she’s very happy at the Red Devils but she could take over Team GB on a short-term contract.
      Even my name was put into the hat! I’d never say never, but at the moment I have things I want to focus on in my media career.
      We’ve got to come to a decision soon, for the sake of the players and the growth of women’s football.

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