Women’s Super League

MARC SKINNER criticised Eveliina Summanen’s reaction to Ella Toone’s foul after the forward saw red during Tottenham’s loss to Manchester United. Toone was given her marching orders as the Red Devils claimed a title-boosting 2-1 win with Spurs enduring own goal heartbreak.
Ella Toone was sent off in the 80th minute of Man United’s defeat of TottenhamCredit: Getty
The Red Devils forward received a red card after shoving Eveliina Summanen on the shoulderCredit: Getty
United took a 1-0 lead in the second half with Leah Galton netting for the visitorsCredit: Alamy
Bethany England levelled for the hosts before Mollie Bartrip’s own goal restored United’s leadCredit: Getty
Leah Galton gave the visitors a second-half lead before Bethany England replied with an ice cold leveller at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But disaster struck for the hosts when Molly Bartrip’s mis-kick cancelled out England’s equaliser, with the game becoming fiery in its latter stages.
This included the moment involving Toone and Summanen vying for for the ball.
Following the duo getting tangled, with both on the turf, Toone appeared to shove Summanen on the shoulder with both hands.
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The Spurs player was seen clutching her face moments later. 
Shortly after, referee Amy Fearn showed the Man United ace a red card.
This means she could face a three-match ban which could see her miss the Red Devils’ clash with Chelsea. 
When asked for his thoughts on the incident that preceded the sending off, Skinner said: “Maybe play-acting is a tough word
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“But actually the reality is there’s no need to roll around holding your face.  
“Part of our growth, as fans and players, is you want to see passion for your club.
“Look it’s a foul and it’s probably a yellow card – with the tackle from Tooney – but there’s a tangle of legs and there’s maybe a little bit of frustration. 
“We have to be accountable for our actions of course and we’ll assess that within (the team). We’ll deal with that internally. 
“But you don’t need to roll around holding your face. 
“That’s part of the sport I don’t want to come into our game because it’s a clear push on her shoulder. It’s just not a good sign. 
“There’s no doubt Tooney will bounce back. The thing we all love about Tooney is she is very real. 
“Once we’re all calm, we’ll assess what happens and assess our part and own our part.
“But the reality is we shouldn’t scold someone for showing commitment and passion.”
When asked for her view Skinner added: “It’s the referee’s job to manage those sorts of situations.
“Other than that, there’s nothing from my side to say on it.”
The 2-1 result saw Tottenham fall to a seventh straight loss in the WSL since their 8-0 trouncing of Brighton last October. 
It leaves United top of the table before a March 5 league clash with Leicester after the international break.
Red Devils boss Skinner said: “We just need to keep accruing points
“The reality is we had to win, that’s the pressure we set ourselves.
“We don’t think we’re going to get anything, we have to earn it.
“It’s good being top of the table, but they are are many twists to happen yet.”
United saw a goal disallowed in the 23rd minute with a Galton’s header from Ona Batlle’s ruled as offside. 
And England blazed an effort over the bar minutes later after being put through by Ashleigh Neville. 
Later Mana Iwabuchi looked to be through on goal following a neat Spence and England move before being flagged offside.
Galton broke the deadlock in the second spell, smashing the ball into the net at close range in the 67th minute. 
But the hosts hit back 13 minutes later with England netting her third goal in four appearances for Spurs.
However that leveller was overshadowed when Bartrip fired the ball into her own net with an attempted clearance going awry. 
Rehanne Skinner says Bartrip’s team-mates will rally round her with Spurs aiming to bounce back from their loss in their upcoming gamesCredit: Getty
Spurs are now three points above Leicester – who are bottom – after three wins in 12 WSL games.
A duel with Man City on March 5 awaits them after the international break and their FA Cup clash with Reading on February 26. 
Tottenham chief Rehanne Skinner said: “As a team we have to start get pieces of the jigsaw together properly.
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“We’ve had two great transfers in the window that have helped us to move forward.
“That’s something that as a as a club and as a team we want to keep building on.” More

LAUREN HEMP reckons Manchester City’s aggressiveness gave them an edge as they dented Arsenal’s title chase and turbocharged their own.The forward was relentless alongside Khadija Shaw and Chloe Kelly, grabbing her 50th City goal during a 2-1 win.
Lauren Hemp netted for Man City as they avenged their loss to Arsenal in the Conti Cup by beating the Gunners in the WSLCredit: Getty
The 2-1 win for Gareth Taylor’s side saw them leapfrog Arsenal to go thirdCredit: Getty
The Gunners pulled a goal back with Rafaelle’s second-half headerCredit: Alamy
The result saw Jonas Eidevall’s aces drop points for the second weekend in a row.
And it saw the Citizens avenge their midweek league cup loss moving up to third before the international break.
They also went level on points with Manchester United, who are second, and just two points behind leaders Chelsea.
Their neighbours are set to face Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at midday on Sunday.
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After the game Hemp said: “We were really aggressive which is important.
“We carried that out throughout the game, not just in the first time half like we did on Wednesday (in the league cup).
“We had the upper hand and we wanted it more than them.
“We fought more than them and sometimes it comes down to that especially in the last few minutes.
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“We played 120 odd minutes on Wednesday, so a lot of us are still recovering from that.
“But I think it’s that fight that takes us to the end of the game and we had that more than them.
“There’s still a long way to go, we know that and there’s so many more games.
“We need to make sure we win every single one to keep us in contention for the league (title) but that result put us in a really good position
“We want to show teams that we’re not here for a laugh, we’re here because we want to win.”
The hosts looked a completely different side to the one shut out by Arsenal during their 1-0 Continental Tyres trophy last four defeat on the road in midweek.
Steph Houghton and Laura Coombs started in place of Alanna Kennedy and Deyna Castellanos with Yui Hasegawa playing in a slightly deeper role.
It proved to be a tactical trump card with the trio putting in a solid shift and making some key interceptions.
Arsenal got on the attack early with Frida Maanum firing narrowly wide at the near post in the third minute.
But they were caught on the counter with Kelly’s cross teeing up Hemp’s tap-in.
After Roebuck caught Kim Little’s 11th minute shot, it was City who had the best attacking moments in the first spell.
And they exploited space on the flanks with the Gunners opting to play a back three.
The hosts threatened with Shaw’s header hitting the crossbar moments after Hemp’s opener.
They eventually doubled their lead with Shaw harrying Arsenal’s defence, winning possession and squaring for Kelly to score in the 43rd minute.
Eidevall shuffled his deck in the second spell with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Caitlin Foord replaced by Lia Walti and Katie McCabe.
The visitors pulled a goal back with Rafaelle heading Maanum’s free-kick beyond City keeper Ellie Roebuck.
The hosts weathered some pressure and came close to netting a third with Hasegawa’s shot hitting the crossbar in the 59th minute.
And they held out to seal a win to turn up the heat on their title rivals.
City chief Gareth Taylor said: “We were on it from minute one.
“It’s a testament to the girls to take it to another level from the game the other day.
“We should’ve been four or five up at half time. The mistakes we forced, it was impressive.
“When a team plays a back three, there are subtle changes to Bunny’s (Khadija) role, but the top end players created a lot of havoc without the ball.”
On this side moving into the WSL’s top three, Taylor added: “We’ve put ourselves in a good position but we’re not getting carried away.
“We have to play Man Utd again, Arsenal and Chelsea.”
The Gunners next’s league encounter will be a March 5th duel with Liverpool after a fifth round FA Cup duel with the Blues.
Jonas Eidevall’s players will face Liverpool in the league next month following an FA Cup clash with ChelseaCredit: Reuters
Of their loss to City, Arsenal boss Eidevall said: “It is one hundred per cent my responsibility that we do not win, so I take that and that’s why I need to look at the game.
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“We have enough players in the squad.
“We have to all believe in the way that we want to play and then we can create great things together.” More

EMMA HAYES wants Chelsea to remain serial winners after they fired a Conti Cup final warning to Arsenal. Her side bagged four goals in 46 minutes with Sam Kerr netting four on Thursday in a 7-0 dismantling of West Ham.
Emma Hayes’ side have won two of the last three league cup finals dating back to 2020Credit: Getty
Sam Kerr netted a first-half hat-trick before netting a fourth goal against West Ham with Chelsea reaching their fourth Conti Cup finalCredit: Getty
Fran Kirby got on the scoresheet before coming off shortly before half-time following a knee impingementCredit: PA
At times the WSL striker looked unstoppable with her team-mates at their clinical best away from home at the Chigwell Construction Stadium. 
Fran Kirby, Lauren James and Guro Reiten got in on the scoring with the Blues set to face Arsenal in the final at Selhurst Park on Sunday 5 March. 
On Kerr’s performance, Hayes said: “You know my opinion on Sam, she is the best without a shadow of a doubt.
“It’s not just for the work she does in possession, it’s what she does out of possession and she’s relentless with it. 
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“Her team behaviours and team actions are second to none
 “All the other things around the box speak for itself.
“Because of the person she is and the work she gives every day to the team, for me that’s what sets her apart from anyone else.”
The match saw Hayes rejig her line-up with Ann-Katrin Berger back in goal. 
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Eve Perriset and Magda Eriksson were back in defence and with Kirby also back in their starting 11.
Kerr opened the scoring in the fourth minute for the WSL leaders poking home Guro Reiten’s free-kick after evading her marker. 
Kirby doubled the lead six minutes later, slotting home following a pass from Lauren James.
Kerr took advantage of a loose pass from the Irons defence to wallop the ball past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold with Chelsea 3-0 up in 23 minutes. 
That lead became 4-0 when some nervy Irons defending ended with Kerr notching her hat-trick with a close range effort. 
Three second-half goals including Kerr’s fourth and James’ thumping finish saw the visitors race to a 7-0 lead with 25 minutes of normal time left.
On Chelsea’s display and result, Hayes added: “We’ve shown that through this block we can develop players.
“We’ve done that and we’ve given a lot of younger players opportunities to play. 
“We know everything about our seniors and you can see that from this performance. 
“But I believe in serial-winning and to be a serial winner I don’t want to get stuck with just one team all of the time. 
“I have to keep evolving them.
“This has been about evolving us and developing more players to play at the top level. 
“We want to keep winning and for me it doesn’t matter who you play in the final and it’s always a top game. 
“We know at the last Continental Cup final we performed poorly. 
“The expectations on the return will be that we’ve got to be fully prepared to face an in-form Arsenal team.”
An injury to West Ham defender Lucy Parker saw her shift come to an end in the 58th minute
And Kirby made a late first half departure moments after she was seen clutching her knee. 
Hayes said: “It’s just a little bit of an impingement in her knee
“I think she will be alright. It might take a few days to settle down but I don’t know anymore than that.
“The doctor has to analyse it.”
West Ham hope to bounce back when they face Aston Villa in the fifth round of the FA Cup
Paul Konchesky is expecting a positive reaction from his players in that match on Sunday  26 February. 
The Irons boss said: “It’s disappointing the way we’ve gone out and lost.
“But I think it will bring us together and make us stronger for the rest of the season.”
Paul Konchesky wants to see West Ham bounce back from their loss when they face Aston Villa in the FA Cup after the international breakCredit: Getty
“The worst thing for me now is most of the team will go away on international break.
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“I won’t see them until two or three days before the FA Cup and a massive game against Aston Villa.
“We just have to dust ourselves down and get back to work on Monday with the girls staying behind and we will get working.” More

STINA BLACKSTENIUS broke Manchester City’s resistance as Arsenal bounced back from a 0-0 WSL draw to reach the Conti Cup final. The striker’s bundled effort thwarted City’s hopes of league cup glory in back-to-back seasons as her side sealed a 1-0 win. 
Stina Blackstenius broke the deadlock for Arsenal coming off the bench and scoring in extra timeCredit: Reuters
The Gunners nullified the threat posed by Khadija Shaw who is currently the WSL’s leading scorer this term with 10 goalsCredit: Getty
Sabrina D’Angelo put in a solid shift in goal for ArsenalCredit: PA
It saw Jonas Eidevall’s side reach their first cup final under the head coach with a chance of a first piece of silverware on the horizon this term.  
They clinched victory in the first duel of their double header with the Citizens with the teams set for battle in the WSL at the Academy Stadium on Saturday.    
A final at Selhurst Park with Chelsea or West Ham on Sunday 5 March awaits Arsenal who are the contest’s most successful side having won it five times. 
Tomorrow night will see the Irons take on Emma Hayes side who were beaten by the Citizens in last year’s final.
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Before tonight’s clash, City boss Gareth Taylor said reaching this term’s Conti cup decider could be a catalyst for the season. 
It appeared to be the case for his side as they pressed their hosts high early on. 
Gunners goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo, who put in a solid performance, was  forced to push Chloe Kelly’s fourth minute cross away from goal. 
But Arsenal grew into the game quickly with Lotte Wubben-Moy and Rafaelle nullifying the scoring threat posed by Khadija Shaw 
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And Laura Wienroither tested Sandy MacIver after a swift counter following Kelly’s cross, forcing a reflex save from the Man City keeper. 
It was end-to-end stuff at times in the first half with Kelly’s low shot, after a cut inside, claimed,by D’Angelo.
In the 27th minute Shaw half-volleyed an effort wide after a Hemp cross.
Some lovely trickery saw Hemp whip the ball around Wienroither before teeing up Kelly who blazed it over the bar. 
And the City forward ended up picking the first of seven yellow cards shown to players by referee Abigail Byrne after clipping Katie McCabe’s heel.
Close to half-time Arsenal had one of their best chances of the first spell. 
This came in the 37th minute with Foord, slightly off balance hitting the woodwork after Kathrine Kuhl’s pass from the edge box.
And Kelly received some words of warning from the ref after catching McCabe on the shin with the duo vying for the ball. 
The second spell saw Arsenal up the ante in attack with Lina Hurtig and Stina Blackstenius coming on for Victoria Pelova and Kuhl in the 65th minute. 
It was a tactical change that proved decisive with Hurtig hitting the crossbar moments later and heading wide with 15 minutes of normal time left. 
Some injury-time chaos ensued when MacIver spilled the ball with City managing to clear before Blackstenius to get a toe on it 
But the striker eventually broke the deadlock in the 93rd minute.
She did so by forcing the ball over the line after Frida Maanum won possession with Hurtig later teeing up her Swedish compatriot.
A win against Arsenal in the league for Gareth Taylor and his players would see Man City move up to third in the WSL on SaturdayCredit: Getty
Extra time saw Taylor have a last throw of the dice bringing on Laura Coombs for Kerstin Casparij
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And Mary Fowler came on for Filippa Angeldahl after the Swede forced D’Angelo to tip her shot around the post. 
But the hosts held out to claim a result that could pave their way to their first Conti Cup win since 2018. More

SARINA WIEGMAN warns there are no guaranteed Lionesses spots after leaving Bethany England and Jordan Nobbs out before this month’s Arnold Clark Cup. And the head coach believes it is “too early” to consider a World Cup campaign without Beth Mead. 
Bethany England is among the notable absentees from Sarina Wiegman’s latest Lionesses squadCredit: PA
Jordan Nobbs, who has 69 senior England caps, has also been left outCredit: Getty
Laura Coombs’ tenacious midfield shifts have seen her called up to England’s camp for the first time since November 2020Credit: Getty
Nobbs, and Tottenham ace England, 28, are the notable top tier stars absent from the Lionesses chief’s 26-strong group.
Nikita Parris, 28, Lucy Staniforth and Hannah Hampton, 22, also missed out. 
However the squad announcement does see Laura Coombs, 32, make her return to the international fold for the first time in just over two years
And Coombs’ call-up comes on a day the Manchester City midfielder signed a new two-year deal with the club. 
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Wiegman’s squad selection comes just over a month after former Blues striker England sealed a Tottenham transfer from Chelsea.
It was a switch that reportedly saw her become the WSL’s most expensive British player. 
The 2019-20 PFA Women’s Player of the Year moved in search of a new challenge and more minutes before this summer’s World Cup. 
Prior to joining Spurs, England had made two starts in eight WSL appearances for the Blues this term.
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Since her transfer she has netted twice in three games across all competitions.
Goals include a clinical finish against her old club during Tottenham’s 3-2 loss to the league title-holders on Sunday. 
And Nobbs and Staniforth, both 30, sealed Aston Villa switches last month which has seen them notch up three starts in the three top-tier games for their new club. 
Matches that saw Villa register one win and two draws including first WSL point against Man City. 
When asked why the trio were not in the squad, Wiegman, 53, said: “They’re competing for selection and  they’re in a good place. 
“They’ve moved to clubs and they’re playing a lot more now, getting settled and that makes it good for competition. 
“But you can’t control what your competitors (for England places) do, or what choice I will make together with my technical staff.
“And that’s the situation they’re in right now. 
“We can at least see now where they are at, how they are improving and what their situation is
“And then we look at how their competitors do and then we make a choice. 
“Yes, it’s good they get minutes, that makes their position better, but that doesn’t guarantee that you’re being selected.
“They have to compete with the others too.”
England, who are the winners of last year’s Arnold Clark, take on the Korea Republic, Italy and Belgium in this year’s contest. 
When asked if it would be difficult for players to make it to the squad if they are not playing at the tournament, Wiegman added: “Everyone has to prove herself.
“But we’re going to try out some things and see some more players that we might not have seen a lot before.
“Everyone has to show consistency in their performances, so it’s not set in stone now.
“But it’s of course a big step forward because we (will have played three games).”
Wiegman’s player picks ahead of the Arnold Clark Cup sees City ace Laura Coombs receive her first national squad call-up since November 2020. 
The selection caps off the Kent-born midfield ace’s resurgence on the pitch. 
The in-form player, who made just six WSL starts last term, has emerged as a first-team regular for Gareth Taylor,
This season Coombs has made 12 starts in the 12 top tier games City have played so far this season. 
Wiegman added: “Laura has shown so much consistency with Man City.
“She’s in midfield but can also play a little higher and a little deeper.
“We need a little more of that balance in midfield.”
The Lionesses will be without the services of Beth Mead when they play the Korea Republic, Italy and Belgium this month.
The Arsenal forward is currently recovering from a knee injury that saw her rupture her anterior cruciate ligament last November. 
And in January, the Gunners star revealed her mother June had “passed away peacefully” after “a long and brave battle against ovarian cancer”. 
Wiegman believes it is too soon to consider a World Cup campaign with the Lionesses without Mead. 
The Lionesses head coach added: “It’s a little early to say, but I don’t want to push it.
“She’s had so many things going on in her life.
“We’ll see you know, how her recovery goes and rehab goes.”
Wiegman’s squad picks sees skipper Leah Williamson make her first international return after missing last November camp due to injury. 
Wiegman believes it is too early to consider a World Cup campaign that does not include Beth Mead as an optionCredit: AP
Goalkeeper Emily Ramsey has been called up for senior Lionesses duty for the first time in her careerCredit: Getty
Fran Kirby, Jess Carter, Lauren Hemp and Lucy Bronze are also back following their returns to fitness and action at club level.
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And shot stopper Emily Ramsey has been called up for senior England duty for the first time in her career. 
The Man United goalkeeper starlet, on loan at Everton this season, is yet to be capped.  More

EMMA HAYES joked she almost applauded after watching Bethany England and Drew Spence combine to cause Chelsea problems.Despite the Tottenham heroines haunting their old side– with England netting– it was the Blues who came away with a 3-2 win.
Bethany England was on target for Tottenham with her first league goal against her former club after Chelsea took an eighth-minute leadCredit: Getty
Lauren James’ stunning solo effort saw Chelsea restore their lead after England’s 16th-minute levellerCredit: Getty
Hayes praised James’ “outstanding effort” but said the Blues want to be patient with her developmentCredit: Getty
The victory, which included a classy Lauren James strike, saw the visitors return to top spot, with Manchester United held to a scoreless draw by Everton.
However the title-holders had to withstand a late fightback from Rehanne Skinner’s side in the game’s dying stages.
And they sealed another significant win in their push for a fourth consecutive WSL title.
Of England scoring her first goal against Chelsea since her Tottenham move, Hayes said: “I nearly clapped.
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“I’ve seen it thousands of times in training. I’m always proud of former players when they go on (to other clubs). 
“When you have players that used to be part of your team, they’re going to have a point to prove.
“I think our former players played very well and (Mana) Iwabuchi adds a lot of quality to them.
“Beth has brought a lot to that team and for me Drew is unbelievable in their side.
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Hayes jokingly added: “And I hope Rehanne doesn’t mind me saying this – their two best players are Chelsea’s players.  
“On a serious note, I’m happy to see them thriving and I’m happy to see Tottenham are making this progression because Rehanne is a really good coach.
“I’m glad to see that she’s been able to get an upturn in performance from her team.”
Tottenham’s home clash with Hayes’ side came 11 days after the Blues knocked their hosts out of the Conti Cup.
Spurs are yet to pick up a point against Chelsea in the league having lost their six previous encounters. 
But they put in a battling first-half shift against the title holders.
Hayes added: “There’s such a thing as home advantage and they played it to perfection. 
“They knew their pitch, they knew the conditions and I thought they were aggressive
“That’s something I know Rehanne has talked about wanting for her team. 
 “There’s always an expectation of, ‘oh it’s Chelsea, they’ve won lots and they’re going to dominate every week’.
“But everybody else are professionals, everybody else has internationals, we should expect more of other teams.”
Jess Carter opened the scoring for the visitors as they picked up their tenth win in 12 league games this termCredit: Getty
Tottenham found themselves on the back foot in the eighth minute with an unmarked Jess Carter heading home from an Erin Cuthbert cross.
But the visitors were caught cold on the counter eight minutes later.
Some neat trickery from Spence was followed by her setting up England for a tap-in which the striker chose not to celebrate.
The score remained level until the 27th minute.
At that point James drove into the box from the wing with her shot deflected into goal off the post.
And Guro Reiten doubled Chelsea’s advantage, slotting past Tinja-Riikka Korpela in the 64th minute.
With two minutes of normal time remaining Nikola Karczewska nabbed a consolation for Tottenham who face Manchester United next.
Spurs boss Skinner hailed England’s efforts and admitted to being frustrated not to see her side get something from the game.
When asked if England gets enough credit for her clinical displays in attack, Skinner said: “The short answer is no.
“Her stats prove it for themselves. I don’t think she has anything to prove.
“She’s already done what she’s needed to over a number of years.
Rehanne Skinner saysCredit: Getty
“What she really needs is time on the pitch. We see straight away the goals she’s scored in a short space of time.”
On if England should be in contention for a Lionesses spot with the World Cup looming, Skinner added: “If you’re playing well for club you have to be considered for your national team – it’s as simple as that.
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“Obviously she’s going to keep working hard.
“Everything we do here and what comes from that is out of her control she can only control what she’s doing here.” More

ENI ALUKO believes the £1million barrier will soon be broken in the women’s transfer market.The WSL Hall of Fame heroine, 35, was sharing her thoughts last month prior to a dramatic January transfer deadline day. 
Eni Aluko believes bigger transfer fees in the women’s game will help create a competitive economy within the sportCredit: Reuters
Bethany England’s switch to Tottenham is reported to have seen her become the WSL’s most expensive British playerCredit: Getty
A day on which Manchester United reportedly rejected a £500,000 Arsenal bid for Alessia Russo
Today Aluko’s old club Chelsea head to Brisbane Road for a 12:30pm clash with Tottenham.
The game is likely to see former Blues star Bethany England, 28, appear in her first London derby league match in a Spurs shirt.
A moment that would also see the striker make her first top tier appearance against her old side following her switch for a reported fee of £250,000.
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 A figure that has reportedly made her the Women’s Super League’s most expensive British player.
Aluko, who won two WSL titles and two FA Cups during her six-year second spell with Chelsea from 2012 to 2018, said: “In terms of how the transfer window has changed, it’s really the transfer fees.
“You never used to hear of transfer fees before in the women’s game because there was just not the economy for it.
“Clubs didn’t have the money, they didn’t have the budget, so players would just run their contracts down or mutually agree to leave.
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“Now you’ve got the transfer fees, which are not the astronomical amounts you see in the men’s game, but we see with Keira Walsh’s move to Barcelona (from Man City) which was for £400,000.”
In her past roles as director of recruitment for US side Angel City FC and as Aston Villa Women’s first sporting director, Aluko has overseen player transfers.
Talents she recruited for Villa during tenure, from January 2020 to May 2021, include Japan ace Mana Iwabuchi who joined on a short-term deal in December 2020. 
Last month a Fifa report revealed that four of the five biggest women’s football transfers of 2022 involved moves to and from WSL sides
These include Keira Walsh’s world-record breaking switch to Barca last September. 
Aluko, who is supporting the We See You network, a Chelsea-backed campaign, celebrating the achievements of women working in football. added: “Eventually, it will get to the million pound mark at some point.
“Then we’ll start seeing bigger transfer fees. That’s something that is going to really help the game.
“Clubs naturally are quite competitive, so the minute Tottenham buy a player in for £1million, then Chelsea might want to outdo them and buy a player for a higher figure.
“It creates a sort of competitive economy that I think would be really healthy for the women’s game because it is value.
“It’s all value exchange and it’s making sure the money in the game gets circulated and distributed and players get higher salaries, etc.”
Tottenham’s swoop for England was followed by the club signing Iwabuchi on loan from Arsenal on January 18 and Spurs starlet Jessica Naz penning a new two-year deal on Friday.
Today Tottenham boss Rehanne Skinner will aim to get a positive result against Chelsea.
Her side, who are currently eighth and finished fifth in the top tier last term, hope to pick up for their first win in the league this year.
Rehanne Skinner’s side will be hoping to get a result against Chelsea laterCredit: Getty
Tottenham’s clash with Chelsea comes two days after Jessica Naz signed a new two-year deal with the clubCredit: Getty
But they face a tough task with Emma Hayes’ team having won their past six WSL encounters.
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Skinner said: “We’re in a space where we want to try and improve results, not just performances.  
“Going into this, we want to give it everything we possibly can.” More