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    Adidas forced to issue grovelling apology to Man Utd star Millie Turner after getting her name wrong

    ADIDAS has apologised to Manchester United ace Millie Turner following an embarrassing mix-up with its new kit advert. A screenshot of the ad shared on Twitter features a picture of the Red Devils’ centre-back with a caption that refers to her as Amy Turner rather than her actual first name. 
    Adidas has apologised to Millie Turner following an error with her name in the sports firm’s United kit advertCredit: Getty

    And the former Everton and Bristol City ace – who is also an Adidas athlete – shared her bemused thoughts on the mistake.
    The advert which showcases Man United’s new kit has been shared more than 18,000 times on Twitter. 
    Turner, who began her career as a Red Devils youth player, has been with the side since 2018 following stints with the Toffees and the Robins.
    In a tweet to 32,000 of her followers, the 25-year-old wrote: “Considering I’ve been at Manchester United for years and an Adidas athlete for two… you’d like to think Adidas would get my name right.”
    The WSL star’s thoughts were echoed by her Leigh Sports Village team-mate Abbie McManus, 28,  who spent the second half of last season on loan at Tottenham.
    And the defender suggested the mix-up would never have occurred with a player in United’s Premier League side adding a hashtag with the name ‘Peter Pogba’ in her post.
    It is thought Adidas may have confused the Cheshire-born Women’s Super League star with her former colleague Amy Turner who left the Red Devils at the end of last season after a four-year spell. 
    The defender moved to Orlando Pride, the team of former Tottenham loanee Alex Morgan, on a two-year deal in June. 
    In a public apology shared on Twitter Adidas offered to make amends by giving shirts to Turner’s fans. 
    The sports brand said: “Millie, we messed up and we’re gutted. 
    “You’re part of the Adidas family and we want to make amends. 
    “Let’s get some new shirts out to your biggest fans. Let us know who and we’ll deliver.”
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    Meanwhile Man United are reportedly close to appointing a new manager for its WSL side to replace former boss Casey Stoney. 
    The ex-United gaffer was announced as the new head coach of the US club and National Women’s Soccer League side San Diego this week. 
    And BBC Sport reports the Red Devils are close to finalising the contract details for Stoney’s replacement ahead of the new WSL season. 
    Man United are set to appoint a new head coach following Casey Stoney’s departure last seasonCredit: Rex
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    Chelsea sign Reece James’ sister Lauren from Manchester United ‘for WSL record transfer fee of £300k’

    CHELSEA WOMEN are reportedly closing in on the signing of Manchester United’s Lauren James for a WSL record £300,000.The forward, 19, is the younger sister of Chelsea and England men’s star Reece.
    Lauren James will join elder brother Reece at Chelsea with the Blues closing in on a WSL record move for the teenager from Man UtdCredit: Getty
    The Blues will pay an initial fee of £200,000 that will be increased by an extra £100k in add-ons, according to The Athletic.
    They also claim that James passed her medical at Kingsmeadow on Tuesday with the deal set to be finalised within 48 hours.
    Some reports suggest there could be another player heading to United as part of the deal but that is yet to be confirmed.
    One of the main reasons James decided to join Emma Hayes’ WSL title winners is to be closer to Reece, according to Sky Sports.
    The pair will now become the only brother-sister duo to be the same club in the Premier League and the WSL.
    The Blues have been heavily-linked with a move for the teenage starlet in recent months.
    They had even mistakenly added her name to their kit list for the up-coming season, sending fans into a frenzy.
    Supporters were given the option to buy her shirt emblazoned with the No 24, although it turned out to be a mishap.
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    Despite Chelsea’s error, they had been reportedly trying to make the deal happen but couldn’t agree on a price with United.
    However, Hayes’ persistence paid off and now the Blues have got their target.
    The WSL winners be hoping James’ firepower can help them win the elusive Champions League trophy – which they missed out on after a 4-0 drubbing from Barcelona last season.

    Since joining United from Arsenal in 2017, James has been prolific in front of goal.
    In her first season with the Red Devils, she scored 14 goals as they gained promotion to the WSL.
    But injury hampered her progress last season and James only managed to score twice in 10 league appearances.
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    Former Barcelona skipper and Arsenal ace Vicky Losada signs for WSL giants Man City

    VICKY LOSADA has joined Manchester City on a two-year deal two months after helping Barcelona trounce Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League finals. And the Spain star’s transfer will see her return for a second spell in England’s top-flight after a trophy-winning stint at Arsenal. 
    Vicky Losada has become Man City’s latest summer signing following the club’s swoop for Khadija ShawCredit: Reuters
    Losada will wear Man City’s number 17 shirtCredit: PA
    The midfielder’s contract with Gareth Taylor’s side  – who finished second in the WSL last term – will see her stay at City until the summer of 2023.
    It also ends months of speculation linking the LaLiga Women’s ace with a move to the club.
    And the former Barca skipper is thrilled to be returning to competition in England which she admits to having missed. 
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    Losada said:  “As soon as I had the offer from Manchester City, I didn’t have any doubts about it – I knew that it was time to leave Barcelona and close that chapter of my career after one of the best years of my life. 
    “I’ve always said that I missed the English league – I feel like it brings out the best in me as a player. 
    “I am so excited to return to it now and be a part of this fantastic football club.” 
    Losada, who began her senior professional career at Barcelona in 2006, has won 23 major trophies with the queens of the women’s game in Spain.  
    Her silverware wins with the side – who are one of the most feared in Europe – includes six Women’s Primera Division titles and seven Copa de la Reinas.  
    The Terrassa-born player registered her first major trophy win in Europe after Barca’s 4-0 Champions League defeat of Chelsea. 
    And her side knocked out City in the contest’s quarter-finals with a 4-2 aggregate win over two-legs.
    The ex-Johan Cruyff Stadium captain led her old club on a storming run in Spain’s top-flight last term with the team netting 167 goals in 34 games. 
    Losada led Barcelona to a 2020 Women’s Champions League trophy winCredit: Getty

    And the team lost just ONE match in Spain’s women’s top tier last term. 
    City head coach Gareth Taylor said: “She is a player who has enjoyed an incredible level of success throughout her career so far and we’re thrilled to have brought someone of her calibre to the Club. 
    “Her winning mentality and desire to be at the top of her game matches our own ethos here at City.
    “Vicky’s experience in high-pressure situations will also be very important to the team as a whole as we aim to lift more trophies in the near future.
    “The fact that she has already previously made her mark in the Women’s Super League speaks volumes about her adaptability.
    “We’re very much looking forward to working with her over the next few years.”
    Losada, who has 64 Spain international caps, has joined a Man City side who were narrowly beaten by rivals Chelsea to last term’s WSL crown. 
    Losada played for Arsenal in the Women’s Super League from 2015 to 2016Credit: Chelsea FC
    The midfield ace previously played for Arsenal in England’s top division from 2015-16
    And the player won a Women’s FA Cup and league cup before returning to Barcelona in 2016.
    Losada made 31 league appearances netting three goals for Barca last term.
    And the Spain international enjoyed loan spells with Espanyol from 2007 to 2008 and at US club Western New York 2014 during her 15-year career with Barca.
    Losada has 64 Spain international capsCredit: Rex
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    England ace Parris opens up on ‘love’ of Arsenal icons Fleeting and Henry after Gunners confirm move

    NIKITA PARRIS says her admiration of Arsenal legends Julie Fleeting and Thierry Henry partly inspired her move to the Gunners.  The England forward has high expectations of the side who return to Women’s Champions League action next season. 
    Nikita Parris’ arrival at Arsenal will give their attacking ranks a massive boostCredit: Getty
    Parris netted 13 goals in 20 top-flight games in France last termCredit: Rex
    Parris, 27, was speaking to journalists after Arsenal confirmed her £68,600 club-record transfer following her two-year, trophy-laden spell with Lyon.
    And the pacy forward, who won a Champions League crown with the French juggernauts, reckons the competitive edge of England’s top-flight is a major draw.
    Parris said: “Just watching from abroad, the games are so much tighter and [there is] so much more talent spread across the teams. 
    “I’m not an Arsenal fan, but growing up I loved Julie Fleeting and Thierry Henry so I followed the team a lot. 
    “And when I spoke to Claire Wheatley [Arsenal Women’s Development manager] I thought let’s give it a go.  Let’s move to North London.”
    Parris, who was born in Toxteth, Liverpool, was the WSL’s all-time top scorer with 49 goals when she departed for France from Manchester City in 2019.
    The striker began her senior playing career in 2011 at Everton before embarking on three silverware-winning seasons at City from 2016 to 2019.
    At City, she won the Women’s Super League, two FA Cups and two WSL Cups.
    A 2020 Women’s Champions League and the Coupe De France Feminine were among the titles Parris won during her first season at Lyon. 

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    Parris says she is proud to wear Arsenal’s number 14 jersey like Highbury icon Thierry HenryCredit: Getty

    I want to score goals and I want to make history in every team that I’m in. Nikita Parris
    This season, however, Lyon finished second in the league behind Paris Saint-Germain and were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by the same side.
    Paris is eager to reclaim the WSL’s top scorer crown currently held by her goal machine Gunners’ team-mate Vivianne Miedema. 
    And the Lionesses heroine will don Arsenal’s famous No 14 jersey, a shirt worn by club legend and lethal finisher Henry.  
    Parris said: “The 14 [shirt] speaks for itself because of Thierry Henry.
    “Growing up he was my role model and I had the pleasure of being interviewed by him.
    “Just being able to speak to him about Arsenal and about football, it’s crazy how much our similarities and thought processes align, so the 14 shirt felt right.
    “The goalscoring record is always on the top of my mind. I’m a striker and I want to score goals and I want to make history in every team that I’m in. 
    “I want to leave a mark and if I can leave a mark at Arsenal and in the WSL at the same time, let’s go for it.” 
    The former Man City ace is one two big-name Arsenal signings with Mana Iwabuchi joining the club this summerCredit: Getty
    There’s a lot of quality in the Arsenal squad and a lot of experience with Kim Little, Jennifer Beatty, Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema
    Parris’s Arsenal switch comes as the club’s first opponents in their Champions League were announced.
    And the Borehamwood side, who appointed Jonas Eidevall as their new boss, will travel to Kazakhstan to face Okzhetpes. 
    Paris is looking forward to battling for Europe’s top football prize and major domestic honours with skipper Kim Little and centre-back Leah Williamson – who she affectionately calls a “Highbury queen”.
    The former Toffees ace added: “There’s a lot of quality in the Arsenal squad and a lot of experience with Kim Little, Jennifer Beatty, Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema.
    Parris is an admirer of the prolific former Scotland and Arsenal Ladies striker Julie FleetingCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    “These are players who’ve played in big games and have a lot of experience internationally and at club level.  
    “I’m looking forward to learning from them also. 
    “I’m not the finished article, and I don’t believe I will be in the next three years.
    “I just believe each and every day, I’ll progress and be better and hopefully I can help them and they can help me.”
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    Emma Hayes extends Chelsea reign with Women’s Super League champions confirming new contract for Blues boss

    CHELSEA confirmed Emma Hayes’ tenure as their women’s team manager will continue with the Kingsmeadow gaffer signing a new two-year contract. The deal will see Hayes extend her stint to 11 years in charge of the WSL juggernauts who notched up a fourth double trophy win last term.
    Emma Hayes has agreed to extend her nine-year spell at Chelsea for an extra two yearsCredit: Getty
    Hayes led Chelsea to their first ever Women’s Champions League final last termCredit: Reuters
    The announcement comes almost two months after the London club reached their first ever Women’s Champions League final, where they were beaten by Barcelona.
    And it will be welcome news for Chelsea fans who have witnessed their club become the most successful WSL side since the division was established ten years ago. 
    Hayes, who took up the reins at Kingsmeadow in 2012, has led the Blues to 10 major trophy wins.
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    These include four WSL titles, two Women’s FA Cups and two Continental trophies, including this year’s league cup. 
    On her new contract, the Camden-born gaffer said: “Everyone knows what this club means to me. 
    “The work we’ve done together over the last nine years has been hugely rewarding, full of growth of the women’s game, accompanied with winning, which is one of the club’s key values. 
    “I really look forward to keep building on the successes we’ve already achieved and I’m delighted to have extended further.
    “It’s been a year and a half without fans, so I can’t wait to welcome them back to our home and share with them the wonderful team we’ve built together.” 
    Blues director Marina Granovskaia added: “We are delighted Emma has committed to stay at Chelsea.
    “History speaks for itself, and we are really proud of what she has achieved in the past nine years, not just at the club, but also for the growth of the women’s game. 
    “It is phenomenal and a real credit to Emma for her continued passion, hard work and dedication to the sport.”
    Hayes, who grew up in North London, started her football management journey in 2001 at US women’s club Long Island Lady Riders.
    The Blues chief went on to work as head coach of university side Iona College from 2003 to 2006. 
    And this was followed by a trophy-laden two-year spell at Arsenal Ladies as an assistant and academy director during the reign of legendary boss Vic Akers. 
    Hayes would join Chelsea in 2012 following another two-year stint in US women’s football managing Chicago Redstars. 
    Chelsea have won four back-to-back titles in six years under HayesCredit: Getty

    And she would lead the side to their first Women’s FA Cup and league title win in 2015 and four back-to-back WSL crowns in six seasons. 
    Chelsea, who embarked on the Women’s Super League’s longest unbeaten run – going 33 games undefeated – are targeting their first major trophy win in Europe next term. 
    The Blues will be competing in the Champions League alongside domestic rivals Man City and Arsenal. 
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    Birmingham ace Claudia Walker joins West Ham Women in free transfer ahead of WSL season

    CLAUDIA WALKER has sealed a move to Women’s Super League side West Ham becoming the club’s third summer signing. The former Birmingham frontwoman follows Australia midfielder Tameka Yallop and ex-Glasgow City ace in joining the East London outfit.
    Claudia Walker has joined West Ham who finished ninth in the WSL in the 2020-21 seasonCredit: PA
    Walker has become the East London club’s third summer signing
    And her departure comes days after Birmingham – who finished one place above the WSL’s drop zone – revealed the exit of three first-team players. 
    Sarah Mayling, 24, Mollie Green, 23, and England goalkeeper starlet Hannah Hampton, 20, have all left the club who ended last term in eleventh place in the league.   
    Walker, 25, netted five goals 21 top-flight appearances for Carla Ward’s former side helping them to avoid relegation to the Women’s Championship last term.

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    On her switch to the Hammers managed by Ollie Harder, the WSL forward said: “The way that the team plays really suits my style.
    “I like to be aggressive, and look to be in the faces of the opposition at every opportunity so I think I complement the manager’s way of playing.
    “I’m delighted to join; it’s a massive opportunity! The ambition the club has is something that I feel I can not only add value to, but something that I really wanted to be a part of.”
    Irons manager Harder, 34, said: “Claudia is somebody who I have admired since coming to England. 
    “The things that she does off the ball are exceptional and she works extremely hard for her team.
    “The culture of this club is all about playing for the team and we want people who embody that, and we believe Claudia will do that. 
    “She’s somebody who knows where the back of the net is and we believe that there is a lot more potential in her in regards to increasing those goalscoring numbers.
    “She’s quick, powerful and has a fantastic attitude, we’re delighted to bring her to the club.”
    Walker began her career as a youth player at Stoke City in 2013 when she was 17 before sealing a 2014 switch to Liverpool where she made six appearances. 
    Walker helped Birmingham to avoid relegation following their turbulent WSL seasonCredit: Rex

    And the forward joined the Reds’ Merseyside rivals Everton in 2014 helping them to win promotion to the women’s top tier ahead of the 2017-18 season. 
    A hamstring injury in December 2017 forced Walker out of action for the rest of that term. 
    The striker later joined Birmingham City on loan in January 2019 before making a permanent two-year move in June that year.
    And Walker helped the team reach the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals in September 2020 where they were beaten by her former club Everton. 
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    Chelsea launch final transfer bid for Reece James’ sister Lauren after growing frustrated in talks with Man Utd

    CHELSEA are reportedly set to make a summer swoop for Manchester United starlet Lauren James following their fourth cup double-winning season.  And Goal claims the WSL juggernauts’ bid is set to be their final offer with the league champs growing impatient with discussions to sign the striker. 
    Lauren James, 19, netted two goals in 10 WSL appearances last seasonCredit: Getty
    A move to Chelsea would Lauren James united with brother Reece who plays for the club’s Premier League side
    The London-born forward,19, is reported to be in negotiations over a move to Emma Hayes WSL-winning side who were defeated by Barcelona in last season’s Women’s Champions League final. 
    However, Goal says talks between United and the Kingsmeadow outfit, who won last term’s league title and Conti cup, have hit a hurdle in recent weeks. 
    Should a Kingsmeadow move for James come to fruition it would see the Red Devils starlet uniting with her England and Blues full-back brother Reece who is 21. 
    And it would see the pair become the only brother-sister duo to be playing for a top club competing in the Prem and the Women’s Super League. 
    James, 19, has been heavily linked with a potential switch to Chelsea following a series of impressive performances for Man United over the past three seasons.
    The forward has netted 22 times in 40 Red Devils appearances across all competitions since joining the newly structured club in July 2018. 
    And the player, who moved to United after spending four years at Arsenal, helped the side to win promotion to the WSL for the first time in their history.
    James, who received her first England call-up in November 2020 under former Lionesses boss Phil Neville, has been highlighted as a rising star by Uefa. 
    James is highly rated by former Man United Women’s boss Casey StoneyCredit: PA

    The WSL ace was one of ten players featured in the European football body’s 2021 ‘ones to watch list’.
    It is reported James is currently working with personal trainer Tom Joyce in a bid to maintain her  ahead of next season. 
    Earlier this year it was rumoured the forward was also a transfer target for French women’s football giants Lyon.
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    Arsenal hire Rosengard manager Jonas Eidevall as new boss of Women’s Super League side

    JONAS EIDEVALL has become the new head coach of Arsenal’s WSL team succeeding former gaffer Joe MontemurroThe appointment of the ex-Rosengard manager comes seven weeks on from the departure of Montemurro who left the club at the end of season after a four-year spell. 
    Jonas Eidevall succeeds Joe Monetmurro as the new head coach of Arsenal WomenCredit: Zuma Press
    And it comes two months after he led the Swedish club to the quarter-finals of last term’s Women’s Champions League where they were beaten 4-0 over two-legs by German giants Bayern Munich.  
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    Eidevall, 38, said:  “I feel honoured to be taking this role. Arsenal have a rich history, more successful than any other women’s team in England.
    “I want to add to these honours. It’s super important that we win, and we will be very ambitious about that, but it’s even more important that we live the values and defend the club badge on a day-to-day basis.
    “I cannot wait to do that at Arsenal.”
    Eidevall, 38, started coaching at 23 with men’s side Lunds BK in 2006, becoming head coach three-and-a-half years later guiding the team to Sweden’s second division title.
    And he began his managerial life in the women’s game at Rosenburg in 2013 first as an assistant before taking on the head coach’s role.
    Eidevall led the Malmo-based side to back-to-back titles in the top tier of women’s football in Sweden in 2013 and 2014. 
    The coach then spent a brief spell working as Henrik Larsson’s assistant at Helsingborgs, one of the country’s second division men’s sides, before returning to Rosenburg. 
    And the Swede led the women’s side to their third league title in 2019 and a Swedish Cup win in 2018. 
    Arsenal, who qualified for the Women’s Champions League last term will be hoping their new boss can guide them to success in Europe’s top competition and on the domestic stage.
    The team finished third in the WSL last term and won their last major trophy in 2019 when they claimed the league title.
    Club chief executive Vinai Venkatesham said: “Jonas was the standout candidate of everybody that we considered for this role and we think he’s going to be a great fit to be the head coach of Arsenal Women. 
    Eidevall will take charge of Arsenal side returning to the Women’s Champions League next seasonCredit: PA

    “It was important that we found the right person to represent our club, both on the pitch and off the pitch.
    “As for his coaching style, he will bring the style of football that Arsenal fans want to see. He’s someone who likes to play on the front foot, high-tempo, attractive, attacking football. 
    “The thing that really came out in all of our interactions with Jonas is how much he wanted to join Arsenal and his desire to be part of this club, to be part of our future and to help us deliver our ambitions going forward. So we’re delighted that he’s joining us.”
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