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      Chloe Kelly lined up for stunning transfer that would see her become the highest-paid women’s player in Europe

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      CHLOE KELLY has emerged as a summer transfer target for Paris Saint-Germain.The French giants are said to want to make the England and Manchester City ace the highest-paid female player in Europe.
      Kelly could become the highest-paid player in Europe if she joins PSGCredit: Getty
      Their interest, reported by Mail Sport, comes two years on from Kelly signing a three-year contract extension with City which expires next February.
      The winger currently earns £933,500-a-year.
      The WSL ace has flourished for club and country since scoring the match-winning strike that helped the Lionesses win the Euros in 2022.
      This season the London-born forward has helped her side keep pace with Chelsea in the league title race, notching up five goals and four assists in 13 games.
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      The team, who visit Arsenal on Sunday, are currently second in the WSL and chasing their first top-flight crown since 2016.
      The Citizens are just three points off the league leaders and will be hoping to keep the pressure on Emma Hayes’ side going into the business end of the season.
      But, victory for Arsenal would see them move level with City, albeit behind on goal difference.
      The Daily Mail claims City hope Kelly will pen a new deal with the club before the final year of her contract.
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      However, the Lioness is thought to be pausing discussions concerning her future until the end of this season.
      PSG’s reported interest would see Kelly become the highest paid female footballer in Europe – only out-earned by stars playing in the USA.
      England’s Chloe Kelly joins in with Sweet Caroline after they’re crowned Women’s Euro 2022 champions
      The Mail also claim that other European clubs could be tempted to outbid PSG should it become clear that Kelly is set on leaving Manchester City. More

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      England Lionesses star Rachel Daly slapped with three-match BAN for elbowing opponent in face

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      RACHEL DALY has been hit with a three-match ban following an incident during Aston Villa’s clash with Bristol City on Saturday. Video footage shows the Villans striker appearing to elbow Robins captain Megan Connolly in the face during the WSL duel. 
      Rachel Daly’s three-match ban follows the Aston Villa ace being penalised for violent conductCredit: Getty
      Daly appeared to elbow Bristol defender Megan Connolly in the face during Villa’s clash with the RobinsCredit: Getty
      The incident, which occurred in the 39th minute of the match, was not initially spotted by the referee.
      But it was captured on camera during the encounter which ended as a 2-2 draw with the FA deciding that it constituted violent conduct.
      Daly, who has made 13 appearances for Villa this term, has admitted to the FA’s charge and will serve the suspension.
      The ban means the player will miss her side’s Conti Cup quarter-final duel against Brighton this evening.
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      She will also be absent from their next two WSL games against Tottenham and Liverpool.
      An FA statement on the incident said: “Her behaviour during the 39th-minute wasn’t seen by the match officials at the time but it was caught on camera.
      “The FA alleged that it constitutes violent conduct.
      “Rachel Daly has subsequently admitted this charge and accepted the automatic penalty for violent conduct.”
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      Last term Daly was awarded the WSL’s Golden Boot after finishing the season as top scorer with 22 goals in 22 games.
      Carla Ward’s side will face Brighton in the Conti Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Reuters
      Her efforts helped Villa achieve their highest finish in the top-flight to date with the team claiming fifth spot.
      This season has seen them initially struggle in the league losing eight of their 13 matches played.
      However, Carla Ward’s side have picked up two wins and a draw from their last four WSL games. More

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      Frank Lampard tipped to become new Chelsea women’s manager just eight months after leaving Stamford Bridge

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      FRANK LAMPARD has been tipped to become the next Chelsea women’s manager.Legendary boss Emma Hayes will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season to take over as USA women’s head coach.
      Frank Lampard has been tipped to return to ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Lampard has been tipped to replace Chelsea women’s boss Emma HayesCredit: Rex
      Chelsea are rigorously looking for a new women’s managerCredit: Rex
      Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidateCredit: Getty
      That will cap off a glittering 12-year stint for Hayes who won a staggering six Women’s Super League titles, five Women’s FA Cups, two Continental Cups, the Spring Series and the Community Shield.
      The Blues are now rigorously searching for the 47-year-old’s replacement, who will surely have some massive boots to fill.
      However, former England international Izzy Christiansen is adamant Lampard would be the perfect candidate.
      That is because the men’s team’s record goalscorer knows the club inside out and his character would lead to a smooth transition to a new and prosperous era.
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      Christiansen told Live Score: “I do have a name in mind but I’ve never heard anyone throw it out there… Frank Lampard.
      “He’s somebody who knows the club inside out. From my experiences at Everton, listening to him speak, he’s the right type of character.
      “His level of communication and knowledge of the game could be really effective and I think you’ve got someone well accustomed with what it means to be Chelsea.
      “I don’t have any knowledge on whether he’d want it or not but it makes sense to me.
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      “To be honest, I sit in a party where it doesn’t have to be a female, doesn’t have to be a male — it just needs to be the right person for the job.
      “There’s no gain in Chelsea going, ‘Right, let’s pigeonhole this, it has to be a female’.
      Frank Lampard reveals who is blocking Mason Mount from thriving at Man Utd and slams club for lack of plan
      “If they want to continue or attempt to continue the dominance they’ve had domestically, it has to be the correct appointment.”
      That would mark Lampard’s third return to Stamford Bridge after his stunning 13-year playing career came to an end in 2014.
      The legendary midfielder first came back as manager in 2019 and enjoyed a successful debut season as the Blues finished fourth despite a transfer embargo.
      However, the 45-year-old tactician’s second season was marred by poor results and he was swiftly replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who went on to win the Champions League.
      Lampard returned as caretaker boss in April for an abysmal second stint that saw him losing eight out of 11 matches, of which he won only one before his departure in June. More

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      Emma Hayes left shocked by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips and shares thoughts on Jurgen Klopp leaving Liverpool

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      EMMA HAYES was stunned by Brighton sacking Melissa Phillips after less than ten months managing their women’s side. The Chelsea chief also empathised with Jurgen Klopp’s reasons for standing down as Liverpool boss and leaving at the end of this term. 
      Emma Hayes reckons Brighton’s decision to end Melissa Phillips’ reign as head coach was a “little bit quick”Credit: Getty
      The USA-born coach was relieved of her duties just two days before the Seagulls’ league duel with Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty
      Hayes, 47, was speaking to reporters on Friday less than 24 hours after the Seagulls announced the departure of Phillips. 
      The American head coach’s exit came five days on from Chelsea’s 3-0 away defeat of Albion.
      It follows a run of seven losses in 12 WSL games this term with the Seagulls sitting second from bottom. 
      Brighton say their decision was “vital for the progress” they want to see the team make in the WSL with the club harbouring top three ambitions. 
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      Hayes, whose team host Everton next, said: “The manager has only been in place since last April, she’s just brought players in the window this January. 
      “I thought they were a very organised team when we played them last week, but there are a lot of young players in there that take a while (to develop). 
      “Getting into the top three is tough for anyone.
      “We’ve since the challenges it has posed for Manchester United and they’ve developed a much more experienced squad than Brighton. 
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      “I was shocked by that decision to be honest. 
      “Yes the game is going that way but no one is being paid a million pounds here (in women’s football) to make that decision. It seemed a little bit quick.”
      Hayes’ side are currently top after 10 wins from 12 league duels so far this term. 
      And they hope to win a seventh WSL title under their boss who will leave Chelsea at the end of the season to take charge of the US Women’s team. 
      Hayes’ departure after 14 trophy-laden years in the Blues’ hot seat will coincide with Klopp bidding farewell to Liverpool later this year . 
      The German, 56, leaves at the end of this season after nine successful years in which he led the Reds to seven major trophy wins including Champions League and Prem titles. 
      And “running out of energy” was among the reasons Klopp gave for his decision to leave the club he loves. 
      Of his motivations to stand down from his role, Hayes said: “I related to everything he said, and I don’t think maybe enough attention and time is put on the mental health and wellbeing of staff in football. 
      “Everybody expects the most from us (manager). 
      “Players expect everything from us, clubs expect everything, everyone expects everything. But the volume of hours you have to commit to this job is unsustainable.”
      Hayes admits she can relate to the reasons by Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool after nine years in chargeCredit: Alamy
      On Klopp’s candid explanation, Hayes added: “He articulated it better than me. 
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      “He articulated it really, really well. I don’t have his luxury though, that’s the difference
      “Nonetheless, I also get to go to an Olympics and a World Cup (with the USA) so I just have to maybe reflect on that or keep myself as fresh as possible.” More

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      Former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi seals short-term Arsenal move

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      ARSENAL have strengthened their goalkeeper options by adding Sarah Bouhaddi to their ranks on a short-term deal.The ex-Lyon ace 37, who won the Women’s Champions League eight times with the French giants, has joined the WSL side as a free agent.

      Sarah Bouhaddi’s Arsenal move follows the club signing United States defender Emily Fox earlier this month
      Bouhaddi’s move follows her one-year spell playing for Lyon’s rivals Paris Saint-Germain up until the end of last season.
      The arrival of the Cannes-born player also comes two weeks after Arsenal number one Manuela Zinsberger signed a new contract with the club.
      The side, currently third in the Women’s Super League, have been previously linked with Manchester United ace Mary Earps.
      Of her move to the Gunners who face West Ham in the top-flight on Sunday, Bouhaddi said: “I’m delighted to be joining Arsenal and to become part of this great club,”
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      “Arsenal has so much history across both the men’s and women’s teams and I’ve always admired the club.
      “I’m excited to get the opportunity to play in a league that is going from strength to strength.
      “I want to bring my experience to help the rest of the squad. I can’t wait to get started.”
      Bouhaddi’s temporary switch until the end of this season will see her provide cover for Sabrina D’Angelo.
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      The Gunners shot stopper is due to compete for Canada in the Gold Cup next month.
      Prior to signing for the WSL title-chasers the highly-rated veteran goalkeeper’s career included a trophy-laden 13-year with Lyon.
      She joined the French top-tier outfit in 2009 following spells at Toulouse and Juvisy from 2002 until that year.
      Whilst at Lyon Bouhaddi established herself as one of top shot stoppers in the world helping the club to win 11 top-flight titles and eight French Cups.
      Her performances for one of the most successful sides in women’s club football in European also helped her win Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper award back in 2020.
      Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall said: “There aren’t many goalkeepers in world football with the breadth of experience and knowledge that Sarah has.
      “We’re delighted to bring her in to supplement our goalkeeping options.”
      Bouhaddi won eight Champions League trophies with Lyon

      Gunners women’s football director Clare Wheatley added: “She has a proven track record at the highest level of the game and we believe she is the perfect player to come in for this period.”
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      Bouhaddi, who began her senior club career with CNFE Clairefontaine in 2002, has made 149 appearances for France.
      Three years after helping her Les Bleues win the SheBelieves Cup in 2017, Bouhaddi decided to take a break from international duty. More

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      Manchester United knocked out of Conti Cup after Aston Villa are penalised for fielding an ‘ineligible player’

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      ASTON VILLA have kept their place in the Conti Cup’s quarter-finals despite fielding an ineligible player following an independent tribunal decision.The outcome has led to Manchester United being eliminated from the contest with the club describing decision as “disappointing”.
      Aston Villa have had the three points from their Conti Cup group stage defeat of Sunderland deductedCredit: Reuters
      The points deduction follows Villa fielding Noelle Maritz in the game despite the defender being ineligible to playCredit: PA
      Last Wednesday Villa emerged victorious from their final group stage fixture beating Sunderland 7-0 to finish top of group A.
      However, the WSL side brought on Noelle Maritz as a second-half substitute when they were leading 3-0.
      This was despite the defender, who sealed a January move from Arsenal, being cup-tied having played for the Gunners in the competition earlier this term.
      Maritz featured in three Conti Cup matches for the North London club prior to sealing a temporary switch to Villa during the winter transfer window.
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      Her appearance during Villa’s win last Wednesday breached Conti Cup rules prompting an FA investigation with the matter later referred to an independent tribunal.
      This afternoon the Football Association released a written statement on the outcome.
      It read: “An independent tribunal have deducted three points from Aston Villa for fielding an ineligible player during their League Cup group stage fixture against Sunderland on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
      “The FA alleged that the player was ineligible for this game, as she had previously featured in the competition for her former club, which constitutes a breach of Cup Rule 8.19.
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      “Aston Villa admitted this charge and acknowledged the breach had occurred.
      “The independent tribunal ordered that the points deducted from Aston Villa be awarded to their opponents Sunderland, while the 7-0 scoreline is to be expunged from the record.
      “As a result, Sunderland will finish as Group A winners, with Aston Villa progressing to the quarter-finals as one of the two best-placed runners-up alongside Tottenham Hotspur.”
      The tribunal’s decision followed the Midlands side admitting the charge of fielding an ineligible player and acknowledging a breach had occurred.
      Before this Sunderland had finished second in Group A.
      But the team are now top with Villa reaching the Conti Cup quarters as one of best runners-up with a better goal difference than Man United’s.
      After their 2-0 group B loss to Man City last Wednesday the Red Devils had a goal difference of nine.
      Man United fell to a 2-0 loss to Man City in their final Conti Cup stage gameCredit: Getty
      This afternoon Man United questioned the rationale of the tribunal’s decision.
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      In a club statement they said: “We are very disappointed with this outcome, and do not understand its rationale.
      “We feel that it undermines the integrity of the competition, and of the women’s game.” More

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      Gareth Taylor hails Manchester City aces’ goal celebration for injured team-mate Jill Roord during win at Tottenham

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      GARETH TAYLOR says Manchester City players’ touching shirt-waving tribute to Jill Roord was a nice but unexpected surprise.His side’s 2-0 defeat of Tottenham saw them celebrate their opener by holding the midfield ace’s jersey aloft days after her knee injury blow.
      Lauren Hemp and her Man City team-mates took a first half lead against Tottenham following an own goalCredit: Reuters
      City players celebrated their 12th-minute opener with Lauren Hemp holding Jill Roord’s shirt aloftCredit: Reuters
      Their win away at Tottenham came four days after Roord sustained an ACL injury during a clash with Man UnitedCredit: Alamy
      The Sunday afternoon away game for Taylor’s side was the first match after Roord was confirmed to have sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage.
      The injury to the player, who has been a key figure in City’s attack occurred during her team’s midweek defeat of Man United in the Conti Cup.
      Despite her season being ended prematurely Roord travelled with her team-mates to watch them in action against sixth-placed Spurs.
      Of their shirt-waving tribute, Citizens boss Taylor said: “It surprised me. I didn’t know anything about it.
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      “It says a lot about Jill that she travelled with us and wanted to come.
      “Also the fact we’ve seen such brilliant play from her this season and hit the ground running.  Alot of credit has to go to the players.
      “It was a really nice touch and really nice for Jill to be there today to experience that.”
      The clash between Tottenham and Man City saw Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw notch up her 13th goal in 11 WSL games.
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      And the clinical finish saw the Jamaica ace extend her lead at the summit of this term’s WSL top scorers chart by one goal.
      Taylor added: “Bunny is always going to get chances because this team is good at creating. She understands and realises that.
      “The thing with Bunny is that she will always score goals. We see that.
      “What impresses me the most is her energy and workrate, the way she presses without the ball.
      “She’s just such a difficult player to play against and she has done fantastically well for us. I think that was her 50th appearance and her 42nd goal. That’s phenomenal.”
      Khadija Shaw’s second-half strike gave Man City a 2-0 cushionCredit: Reuters
      Spurs’ last duel with Man City ended up with them on the wrong end of a 7-0 loss on the road to City last November.
      But the North London side were tighter defensively this time around.
      The visitors got off to a solid start dominating possession and attacking chances.
      Skipper Alex Greenwood forced a class diving save from Barbora Votikova with a seventh minute free-kick.
      And it took just five minutes more for the deadlock to be broken inadvertently through Tottenham’s Amy Turner.
      The defender turned the ball into her own net following Lauren Hemp whipping in a delivery intended for Shaw giving the visitors the lead.
      The 12th minute opener was followed by Hemp and her colleagues running to the dugout to celebrate with Roord.
      And away fans chanted “there’s only one Jill Roord” shortly after her team-mates held her number 20 shirt aloft.
      Spurs thought they’d levelled shortly before the half hour mark moments after Laura Coombs scuffed a shot at the other end.
      Martha Thomas got behind the visitors’ back line firing past keeper Khiara Kheating before sprinting off to celebrate.
      But the hosts’ joy was short-lived with the goal ruled out for offside.
      The first minute of the second half saw Filippa Angeldahl go close, firing narrowly wide for City.
      Shaw gave them a 2-0 lead after combining with Hemp and firing home her 12th league goal of the season in the 51st minute.
      The hosts attempted to nab a late consolation with Bethany England driving into the box around the 83rd minute.
      But the shot for Spurs skipper, who was presented with artwork of herself in action in honour of making 150 Tottenham appearances, was fired straight at Keating.
      While City held out to keep pace with Chelsea cutting their lead to three points, Tottenham gave a good account of themselves despite their 2-0 loss.
      Head coach Vilahamn said: “We have made progress and are better defenders.
      “But I think it also shows we are in a journey and are not there yet to compete with the best teams in this league.
      Bethany England prompted a comfortable save from Khiara Keating with her late strikeCredit: Reuters
      “Man City are absolutely brilliant in how they play and they have played for a while with this team.
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      “It was a little bit tricky because we wanted to make sure we defended well with this team and have a good plan, but that (opening) goal loses energy for us.
      “We are still in a journey to beat them, but I think next year we will be more ready.” More

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      Arsenal loanee and Charlton star Freya Godfrey carried off on stretcher after horror collision as clash suspended

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      ARSENAL loanee and Charlton star Freya Godfrey is “stable, alert and in good spirits” after being carried off on a stretcher following a horror collision on Sunday.Play was suspended for 15 minutes as the midfield ace received treatment during the Addicks’ Women’s Championship game against south London rivals Crystal Palace.
      Arsenal loanee Freya Godfrey was stretchered off in Charlton’s game with Crystal PalaceCredit: Rex
      The match was nearing the end of the first half when Godfrey collided with an opponent mid-air.
      The 18-year-old required immediate medical treatment as players from both sides were taken off the field.
      And it was only after 15 minutes that Godfrey herself was stretchered away to applause from fans.
      Charlton and Palace then underwent a short warm-up before resuming the game.
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      Kayleigh Green was summoned to replace Godfrey.
      But a statement from Charlton hours later revealed the ace had not suffered a serious injury and was in good health following hospital treatment.
      A statement read: “Charlton forward Freya Godfrey is stable, alert and in good spirits after sustaining an injury in this afternoon’s Women’s Championship game against Crystal Palace.
      “The 18-year-old, on loan from Arsenal, was stretchered off in the first half of the game and taken by ambulance to hospital.
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      “Initial scans are clear and no fractures have been identified.
      “We would like to thank all the staff at the game, in the ambulance and at the hospital for the care provided to Freya.”
      Before Charlton’s update, flustered fans had flocked to X to react to the incident.
      One said: “Oh no, hope she’s OK.”
      Another declared: “Praying it’s nothing serious.”
      One noted: “Think of you Freya.”
      Another added: “Hope she is okay, this sounds horrible.”
      Godfrey joined Charlton from the Gunners last year and had so far made five appearances for her loan side.
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      She made her WSL debut for Arsenal in their 4-0 win over Brighton.
      And Godfrey is currently starring for England’s U19s following a brief stint at Ipswich Town. More