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      Liverpool ace Gilly Flaherty retires from football bringing curtain down on 22-year playing career

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      GILLY FLAHERTY has called time on her spell as a footballer following a playing career spanning just over two decades. The Liverpool centre-back, 31, made her decision after a chat with loved ones following the passing of her father shortly before Christmas.
      Gilly Flaherty made 177 appearances in the WSL playing for Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and LiverpoolCredit: Getty
      Flaherty made history when she became the first player to score a goal in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The WSL veteran was part of a Chelsea team that won the Blues’ first trophy double with their FA Cup and WSL title wins in 2015Credit: Getty
      Flaherty’s news comes three days before Matt Beard’s Reds take on Manchester United away.
      The match is one of six games taking place this weekend with the return Women’s Super League action. 
      The former England centre-back, who began her journey as a player at the age of nine in Millwall Lionesses’ youth team, says her decision was one that had not been taken easily. 
      The London-born WSL star currently holds the record for highest number of appearances as a player in the league having featured in 177 games. 
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      Flaherty told Liverpool’s website: “It isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly but one I’ve reached after speaking with those closest to me.
      “Losing my dad just before Christmas has left me heartbroken – for 22 years we shared our love of football and playing-wise I don’t want to carry on without him by my side.
      “Playing-wise, I know the right decision is for me to call it a day. The time is right for me to be around my family and to be nearest to those closest to me.
      “I want to thank Liverpool, especially Beardy (Matt Beard) and Russ (Fraser) for bringing me to the club.
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      “I’d also like to thank the Liverpool fans for supporting me and taking me in.
      “Even though it has not been a finished journey I’d like to think the fans saw commitment and dedication to the badge from me and I gave 110 per cent in every game.
      “I also wish to thank the players for being there for me throughout my time at the club and I wish them nothing but success for the rest of the season.
      “And to all the former teammates I’ve ever had the pleasure to share a field with and the professionals I’ve played against on a weekly basis.
      “I’m grateful to have been part of an era before we turned pro, where we had to work as well as play football.”
      Flaherty began her senior career at Arsenal in 2006, a club with whom she would win 17 trophies during a seven-year stint with the side. 
      Silverware wins include five FA Cups and a Champions League winners medal with the Gunners
      And the defender also won four WSL titles during her playing career.
      In 2011 Flaherty became first player to score a goal in the Women’s Super League with her firing home from a Kim Little corner kick to seal Arsenal’s 1-0 win against Chelsea in April that year. 
      She would later join the Blues in January 2014 going on to win two of her four WSL titles with the team before a 2018 move to a West Ham side then coached by Beard. 
      And in July last year Flaherty would be reunited with Beard when she joined his Liverpool team following their promotion and return to the top tier. 
      Beard, 45, said: “She has achieved everything there is to achieve in the domestic game.
      “We just wish her every success in all her future endeavours.”
      Flaherty appeared in her last game when the ninth-placed Reds beat West Ham 2-0 at home in December. 
      Flaherty joined Liverpool in July 2022 and played her final game for the club last DecemberCredit: Getty
      A win against United could see the team move up to eighth spot should Aston Villa draw or defeat Tottenham on Saturday.
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      Flaherty added: “It’s been an honour to have been there from the very beginning, to have committed my whole career to English football and to the WSL for the past 11 or 12 years.
      “To have witnessed the growth and be a part of that has been truly special.” More

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      Tickets sell out for Finalissma clash between England and Brazil with rivals set for pre-World Cup test

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      TICKETS for the Lionesses’ clash with Brazil at Wembley have sold out with the match set to attract a huge crowd.The Euros winners will take on the eight-time Copa America champions in April in the first-ever Women’s Finalissima.   
      Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will test themselves against Copa America Feminina champions Brazil in AprilCredit: PA
      Brazil are currently ranked the ninth best international side in the worldCredit: AFP
      The contest between England and Brazil on April 6 will see the two sides go head to head three months before they compete in this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
      The game could see Arsenal centre-backs Leah Williamson and Rafaelle Souza play against each other in an international fixture for the first time since the Brazil ace’s Gunners move last January. 
      Last July Sarina Wiegman’s stars set a new record for a crowd turnout at a Euros final when they beat Germany 2-1.
      A total of 87,192 fans flocked to Wembley for that clash – the highest attendance at a European Championship final to date in the women’s and men’s game. 
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      And England’s friendly against the United States at the stadium was the highest attended friendly match in US women’s football history.
      A crowd of 76,893 turned out to watch Wiegman’s side beat the USA 2-1 last October.
      Tickets for the game sold out less than 24 hours after going on sale.  
      The Women’s Finalissima will take place three months after the first title tussle in the WSL between Arsenal and league leaders Chelsea. 
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      And the Gunners could be on course to set a new record they for the largest crowd turnout at a WSL fixture. 
      Arsenal’s WSL game against Chelsea at the Emirates on January 15 could see crowd turnout of at least 40,000Credit: Getty
      Arsenal have so far sold 40,000 tickets for their derby clash with the Blues at the Emirates this Sunday at midday. 
      The record for the highest number of fans attending a Women’s Super League game stands at 47,367.
      This was set when the Gunners beat Tottenham 4-0 at the stadium last September. More

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      Kathrine Kuhl unveiled as Arsenal’s second January signing while Brighton bring in ex-Houston Dash ace Brianna Visalli

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      ARSENAL have added another attacking midfielder to their ranks with Kathrine Kuhl joining on a permanent deal. The addition of the rising Denmark star, 19, comes a day after the Gunners signed ex-Ajax ace Victoria Pelova.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall described Kathrine Kuhl as one of Europe’s brightest talentsCredit: Getty
      Kuhl has become the second attacking midfielder to join the club following their acquisition of Victoria PelovaCredit: Getty
      The WSL title chasers are eager to strengthen in this year’s January transfer window following injuries to Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema. 
      Both forwards are currently out of action after sustaining knee ligament injuries towards the end of last year. 
      Kuhl’s switch to Arsenal, currently second in the league, comes after her three-season spell at Danish top-flight side FC Nordsjælland. 
      The precise length of her contract has not been publicly disclosed by the club who take on Chelsea in the WSL at the Emirates at 12:00 pm on January 15. 
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      This term the central midfielder notched up two goals and four assists in 12 appearances for her former club. 
      And the Denmark starlet is relishing the chance to help the push for silverware within a side she sees as a “sisterhood”. 
      Kuhl, who has 21 international caps, told the Gunners’ website: “I feel like there are so many great things around the club; all the fans and the community.
      “It’s like a sisterhood in some ways so I’m looking forward to being a part of that.
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      “It’s a big step for me. I’m very excited and looking forward to playing for Arsenal.”
      Kuhl, who began her senior career at Nordsjælland, was part of the Denmark squad that competed in last year’s Euros.
      Their group, which was some fans dubbed a group of death, featured Finland, Spain and tournament finalists Germany. 
      The team, skippered by Chelsea star Pernille Harder, claimed one win from their three Group E games (a 1-0 defeat of Finland) before exiting the contest due to losses to Spain and Germany.
      At club level Kuhl helped her former side to Danish Women’s Cup triumph in 2020. 
      And Jonas Eidevall sees the starlet as one of Europe’s most promising young players. 
      The Gunners head coach, 39, said: “Kathrine is one of the brightest talents in Europe so we’re delighted to have brought her to Arsenal.
      “She will bring added creativity to our midfield and I’m sure she will benefit from working closely with some of our experienced players. 
      “I’m looking forward to working with her here at Arsenal moving forward.”
      Elsewhere Brighton have been busily bolstering their ranks with the team eager to climb the table and widen the gap between themselves and the WSL’s drop zone. 
      The Seagulls, who take on bottom-placed Leicester City in their first game under new boss Jens Scheuer, have signed Brianna Visalli from Houston Dash. 
      Former Birmingham and Houston Dash midfielder Brianna Visalli has become Brighton’s third signing this month
      The USA-born midfielder, 27, who switched to Albion after two seasons with the National Women’s Soccer League side who were skipped by England ace Rachel Daly. 
      Both players helped the team to lift the NWSL Challenge Cup in 2020 with Daly, now at Aston Villa, winning the tournament’s Golden Boot in July. 
      Visalli spent 2018-19 playing for Albion’s WSL rivals West Ham helping them reach the 2019 FA Cup final.
      And she featured as a second half substitute during their 3-0 loss to Manchester City at Wembley.
      The experienced midfielder spent the following season at Birmingham City playing in nine games for the former WSL side.
      Visalli, who made 35 appearances over two terms for Houston, has become the third new player to sign for Albion in the January transfer window.
      Brighton will take on Leicester City away in their first game under new boss Jens ScheuerCredit: Reuters
      Her switch follows the Seagulls acquiring Norway centre-back Guro Bergsvand, 28, and Serbia midfielder Dejana Stefanovic who is 25.
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      Of Visalli’s prowess on the pitch, Scheuer said:  “She’s a midfielder with a real turn of pace. “She’s a very intelligent player and she gives us a lot of options in the midfield.
      “It’s a good move for the club and her. She’s got good experience both in the WSL and in America.” More

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      Man Utd women’s team bus in drama after road COLLAPSES beneath it while on way to friendly match in Malta

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      A BUS taking the Manchester United women’s team to a game in Malta became stranded after the road COLLAPSED beneath it. United were due to take on Maltese side Birkirkara in a friendly when the road caved in.
      Man Utd women are in Malta for a training campCredit: Getty
      But they suffered some difficulties on their way to a match in MaltaCredit: Getty
      Marc Skinner has guided the team to third in the WSLCredit: Getty
      The Malta Independent reported that one of the wheels at the back of the bus was broken by a large pothole, leaving the bus stranded.
      The clash against Birkirkara in Paola was scheduled to kick off at 5pm GMT.
      Fortunately the game still started on time, with United winning 10-0.
      A pair of braces from Alessia Russo and Vilde Boe Risa were added to by Lucia Garcia and Grace Clinton to give Marc Skinner’s side a six goal lead before the break.
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      After 11 changes at the interval, United added four more thanks to Jade Moore, Nikita Parris, Rachel Williams and Martha Thomas.
      The Women’s Super League is currently having a winter break.
      And the Red Devils took the opportunity to enjoy a warm-weather training camp.
      United’s most recent fixture in the division saw them draw 1-1 with neighbours Manchester City.
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      Their next game on January 15 will also see them take on a huge rival in the form of Liverpool.
      With a win they can move within two points of league leaders Chelsea, provided they drop points against title rivals Arsenal. More

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      Arsenal strengthen attacking ranks with Victoria Pelova becoming the WSL side’s first signing of 2023

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      VICTORIA PELOVA has swapped Ajax for Arsenal – ending speculation linking her with a winter transfer to the WSL side. The club have confirmed the attacking midfielder’s move on a permanent deal, although the length of her contract has not been disclosed. 
      Victoria Pelova could be in line to make her Gunners debut when Arsenal play Chelsea in their first league game of this yearCredit: Getty
      Pelova had been linked with a Gunners move prior to the club confirming her switch todayCredit: Getty
      And Arsenal, who play league leaders Chelsea at the Emirates on January 15, say the deal is subject to the “completion of regulatory processes”. 
      Of her switch to the Gunners, the Netherlands player, who began her professional career at Dutch side ADO Den Haag in 2016, said: “I’m delighted to have signed for Arsenal.
      “I’ve always admired this club and dreamt of following in the footsteps of some of the great Dutch players who have worn the shirt. 
      “I can’t wait to get going and start contributing to the team.”
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      Pelova’s arrival comes just under a month after Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described this year’s January transfer window as “a very important one” for this title-chasing team. 
      Earlier this season the club suffered fitness blows within their attacking ranks.
      Forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema both sustained anterior cruciate ligament injuries in November and December.
      Both Gunners stars played significant roles in last term’s hotly contested title battle, with Arsenal finishing just one point behind league champions Chelsea. 
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      Miedema netted 14 goals in 22 top tier games for the North London giants last term.
      Last March she became the first WSL player to reach 100 goal contributions in the league.
      Meanwhile, Mead netted 11 goals and eight assists in 22 top-flight matches for the club last season. 
      In Pelova the Gunners have signed a forward who has netted three goals and two assists in eight appearances in the Netherlands’ top-flight this campaign. 
      The player, who has 31 senior international caps, was also part of the Dutch squad that reached the 2019 Women’s World Cup finals – won by the United States 
      And last year she helped her national side reach the Euro quarter-finals, coming on as a substitute in three matches and starting in the Netherlands’ exit to France. 
      At club level she has scored 11 goals in 66 appearances for Ajax, helping them to two KNVB trophy wins in 2019 and last year.
      They also won the Eredivisie Cup trophy in 2021. 
      Arsenal gaffer Eidevall said: “Victoria is one of the most exciting young players in the game.
      Arsenal are strengthening their attacking depth following injuries to star forwards Beth Mead and Vivianne MiedemaCredit: Getty
      “She will bring added dynamism and energy to our midfield. 
      “I’m looking forward to working with her and I think our supporters are going to love watching her in an Arsenal shirt.”
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      Gunners head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added:  “Victoria is one of the best young talents in European football and someone we have been tracking for some time. 
      “She will be an exciting addition to our squad and I look forward to watching her link up with her team-mates soon.” More

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      Former Arsenal ace Jordan Nobbs vows to be the ‘best version’ of herself on the pitch after Aston Villa move

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      JORDAN NOBBS has pledged to give “110 per cent” for Aston Villa after ending her 12 year Arsenal career. The former Gunner, 30, was speaking after sealing a move to Villa Park on an 18-month deal for a reported fee of around £30,000 to £35,000.
      Jordan Nobbs says she hopes to play in as many games as possible for Aston Villa after joining the WSL side from ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Nobbs’ Villa switch follows a 12 year trophy-laden spell with the Gunners with whom she won three league title crowns and four FA CupsCredit: PA
      The transfer of the WSL star has seen her become the second high-profile England ace to join the club this season since Rachel Daly’s arrival in August. 
      With this year’s World Cup on the horizon, the Lionesses veteran is aiming to see more first-team action having started just twice in nine top tier appearances this season. 
      Nobbs, who made more than 200 appearances for the WSL title chasers, said: “I want to win games here.
      “I am a winner, so I will be doing everything possible to provide and help this team to get up the table and get as far as possible. 
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      “I think this next chapter is me playing and being the best version of Jordan Nobbs at Aston Villa and hopefully providing and helping the team.  
      “You’ve got to have a realistic goal here in terms of where Aston Villa are in the table, but we’re here to get further up that table and also just improve. 
      “Where you are, you can always improve as a player.
      “Hopefully I can learn a lot from this club and be a player that provides and hopefully score some goals.
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      “I want play lots of games and win as many as possible.”
      Nobbs’ Villa move comes after a glittering stint at Arsenal that saw her score 81 times in 270 appearances for the club. 
      The Sunderland-born player established herself as a firm fan favourite after helping the North London giants win three WSL titles, four FA Cups and five League Cup trophies.
      Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar said: “Over the past 12 years, Jordan has written her name into the Arsenal history books and forged a deep connection with our loyal supporters. 
      “She has been a wonderful servant to Arsenal football club.”
      Arsenal head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “Jordan embodies what it means to be a Gunner and will go down as a true Arsenal legend.
      “We wish her all the very best in this next chapter. 
      Nobbs is among a number of top-flight stars who will be battling for place in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August. 
      The midfield ace, who has 69 senior international caps, had to withdraw from England’s November camp due to a minor injury. 
      Villa boss Ward, 39, said: “We’re delighted to secure Jordan’s signature.
      “We hope this move can help the football club as well as cement her place back in the international set-up.”
      “This is a big signing for us and Jordan is one of the country’s most decorated footballers.
      “She’s a winner and will bring a wealth of experience that her new teammates will thrive off.”
      Aston Villa sealed some astute transfer signings this season including swoops for Rachel Daly and Kenza Dali last AugustCredit: Reuters
      Villa, currently seventh in the top-flight, have won four of their first nine WSL games this term.
      Results including an impressive 4-3 defeat of Manchester City in their season opener. 
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      The club are set to take on Tottenham on January 14 in the first WSL game of this year.
      The match may see Nobbs make her first-team debut against a Spurs side that could feature their new star striker Bethany England. More

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      Bethany England ready to ‘embrace’ Tottenham challenge after breaking British transfer record with move from Chelsea

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      BETHANY ENGLAND is relishing the challenge of helping Tottenham attempt to fulfil their ambitions after calling time on her seven-year Chelsea spell. The Lionesses striker’s stunning Spurs move, reported to be for a fee of around £250,000, is thought to have seen her become the WSL’s most expensive British player. 
      Bethany England has helped Tottenham boost their attacking options with her move to the club from league leaders ChelseaCredit: Getty
      England’s switch to Rehanne Skinner’s Spurs side has reportedly seen her become the most expensive British player in the Women’s Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      England has become the second Blues player to join Tottenham in the past seven months following Drew Spence’s switch from ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Today the Blues confirmed England, 28, who has made more than 150 appearances for the Kingsmeadow giants, would be departing for their London rivals. 
      Her move sees her become the second Chelsea star in the past seven months to seal a Tottenham transfer with former Blues ace Drew Spence joining Spurs last June. 
      And the WSL star is determined to help her new club and boss Rehanne Skinner to reach new heights. 
      England said: “I’m excited to get going and the club’s got a lot of ambition so I’m hoping that I can add to that and hopefully get the club where it wants to be. 
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      “When you look at the facilities that you’ve got, it’s coming up. 
      “In the women’s game there’s not many teams that have got such great facilities to start with and speaking with Rehanne – she has been a big part in this. 
      “Her drive and what she wants to achieve out of this club (shows) she has got great aspirations like myself. 
      “The club has got a nice homely feel and it makes me want to come and do a great job here.”
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      Skinner’s side, who take on Aston Villa in their first game of 2023, have at times struggled with finding the back of the net this term. 
      This is despite the team smashing eight goals past Brighton at the end of October in one of their biggest ever top tier match wins.
      However Spurs, who are currently eighth after losing six of their first nine WSL matches this term, have scored just once in their last four games across all competitions. 
      And that goal, netted by Nikola Karczewska, came during a 1-0 defeat of Championship outfit Southampton in a Continental Cup group stage game in December. 
      Reflecting on her North London switch, England added: “Moving from the other side of London is again very different for me but it’s an amazing chapter for me. 
      “Hopefully I can bring a lot of goals to the club, my experience and just a bit of leadership in the front line, and I am quite driven, I’m quite a strong person and can be a loud character. 
      “I do want to do my best and I’m extremely competitive even in a game of cards or bingo.
      “I have no doubt they’ll figure that out quite quickly.
      “I’m not shy about saying how I feel about making sure everyone’s achieving the same goal and wants the same things.”
      In England, Tottenham, who finished fifth last term, have acquired one of the most clinical finishers in the WSL in recent years.
      Her move comes a week after the Daily Mail reported the striker’s Spurs transfer would see her become the most expensive Lionesses player in the league.  
      The forward was named the PFA’s Women’s Player of the Year in September 2020 after netting 14 goals in 15 WSL games in the 2019-20 season.
      However the Lionesses striker has at times struggled  to secure a starting spot in Emma Hayes’ star-studded Blues side making just two starts in her eight WSL appearances this term. 
      One of her most famous strikes for her former club came during Chelsea’s opening game that term at Stamford Bridge
      England netted a stunning goal against Tottenham in September 2019 during the Blues’ 1-0 defeat of the team at Stamford BridgeCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      In September 2019 she walloped home a stunning left-footed long range effort in a 1-0 defeat of Spurs. 
      The striker began her senior playing career at Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2011 before joining Sheffield Wednesday on loan later that year. 
      She then joined Chelsea in 2016 with one season spent on loan at Liverpool from 2017 to 2018. 
      During her time with the Blues England netted 74 goals in 163 appearances.
      And she helped them to win four league titles, two FA Cups, a league cup trophy and a Community Shield. 
      England and her Spurs team-mates will play Aston Villa away in their first WSL game of 2023Credit: PA
      Reflecting on the striker’s efforts Blues manager Emma Hayes, 45, said: “Bethany has given tremendous service to the club. 
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      “She has contributed to all of our success over the past seven years and she leaves a winner and a Chelsea legend.
      “We wish her the very best for the next stage of her career.”  More

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      Real Madrid rumoured to be keen on Manchester City ace Hayley Raso according to reports

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      HAYLEY RASO is thought to be attracting interest from Real Madrid with the club reportedly eager to boost their attacking ranks.  The Manchester City ace, 28, is rumoured to be a summer transfer target for the Liga F side, according to Spanish media outlet Marca.
      Hayley Raso’s performances have seen her attract interest from Real MadridCredit: Getty
      The Australia forward has played in seven WSL games for Man City so far this termCredit: Getty
      It is claimed the club, who are currently third in the women’s top-flight in Spain, are looking to create a more competitive squad to strengthen their push to win silverware. 
      And it is thought the club have identified Raso as a potential target with her current City contract reportedly set to expire this summer.
      Speculation comes six months on from Madrid, signing former City forward Caroline Weir.
      The Scotland star has netted seven goals in 15 top tier and Champions League appearances this term.  
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      Marca say Madrid have nine players in their senior squad whose contracts are due to expire at the end of June. 
      They include 30-year-old forward Esther Gonzalez who notched up 14 goals in 27 top-flight appearances last season. 
      And Marca claim Real, who knocked the Citizens out of the Champions League earlier this season, could look to swoop for the Raso in the summer.
      Last term Raso, who won the 2017 NWSL Championship with former club Portland Thorns, made 13 WSL appearances for Gareth Taylor’s side. 
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      However the versatile forward, who won league titles in Australia with Brisbane Roar and Canberra United, has so far played in seven top-flight games for City this season. 
      And the WSL ace has come off the bench as a substitute in six of those games. 
      Raso has netted nine times in 20 WSL appearances for City since her August 2021 move from Everton.
      Raso netted a late winner for Man City when the club beat Liverpool 2-1 in the WSL in OctoberCredit: Alamy
      The forward, who began her senior playing career at Australian side Canberra United, joined the club on a two-year deal.
      Since her move Raso helped City, who are fourth and play West Ham in the WSL on January 15, to a league cup trophy win last March.
      And her 89th minute equaliser helped the club take last year’s FA Cup final into extra time before they were beaten 3-2 by Chelsea at Wembley.  More