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      Katie Zelem leaves Manchester United after six years with the Women’s Super League side

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      KATIE ZELEM is the second senior player to leave Manchester United Women with the midfielder departing this month.The England ace’s exit comes a day after forward Lucia Garcia’s departure with goalkeeper Mary Earps also reportedly set to leave.Katie Zelem captained the Man United side that won a Women’s FA Cup for the first time in the team’s history this yearCredit: GettyZelem played 161 times for the Red Devils after rejoining the club in 2018Credit: GettyThe midfielder, who has 12 England caps, was part of the Lionesses squad that reached the 2023 Women’s World Cup finalCredit: GettyEarlier today the club paid tribute to Zelem, 28, who made history last month becoming the first Red Devils skipper to lift the Women’s FA Cup.  The lifelong Man United fan, whose contract at the end of June, spent six years with the side making 161 appearances and netting 32 goals.Her departure comes in a week in which the Manchester giants have faced criticism over plans to move their WSL aces to portable buildings at their Carrington training ground. The training complex is undergoing a £50million renovation with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe talking of wanting to “create a world class environment for teams to win”.Read More Football StoriesWith United men’s indoor facility being revamped, their women’s squad are reportedly being moved out of their state-of-art base which will be used by the club’s Prem side next season.Zelem, who was born in Manchester began her Red Devils’ journey in the club’s Girls’ Centre of Excellence at eight, playing in their academy until 2013.With United not having a senior women’s side due to the team being disbanded in 2005, Zelem joined rivals Liverpool whose players then included England ace Lucy Bronze.The midfielder went on to win back-to-back WSL titles under head coach Matt Beard during her four-year spell in Merseyside before joining Juventus for one season in 2017.Most read in FootballA year later Zelem returned to Manchester to join a Red Devils re-established back in 2018 with Casey Stoney appointed as head coach.She helped the team win promotion from the Championship to the women’s top-flight in 2019 and captained them to a 4-0 FA Cup final triumph over Tottenham last month.The midfielder’s England team-mate Earps, 31, is expected to leave United during the summer transfer window with the goalkeeper heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.England forward Nikita Parris is rumoured to be leaving Man United this summerCredit: GettyAnd Nikita Parris, 30, is rumoured to be another high-profile player linked with a summer move away from United.Last month The Athletic reported the Lioness had turned down a megabucks move to US top-flight club North Carolina Courage.It is claimed the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side wanted Parris to join before their division’s April 19 transfer deadline. More

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      Fans criticise Manchester United plans to move women’s side into portable buildings during Carrington revamp

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      MANCHESTER United have been criticised by fans over plans to move their women’s side to portable buildings with the men’s team using their base next season.United’s WSL aces are reportedly having make way for their Prem counterparts due to renovation of the men’s indoor training facilities.Manchester United WSL side will moved into portable buildings next seasonCredit: GettyUnited’s men’s squad are set to use the women’s and academy buildings due to renovation work on their indoor facilitiesCredit: GettyThe Red Devils’ men’s squad will have priority access to the £10million women’s and academy building whilst their facility is given a makeover, according to the Guardian.They say the portable spaces to be used by the club’s WSL players and their backroom staff will include changing rooms, meeting rooms and office spaces. Revamp work on the men’s facility at Carrington, which began on Monday, is being carried out as part of a £50million project of led by architect Norman Foster.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who purchased a stake in United via his company Ineos, says the aim is “to create a world-class environment” with the “training ground renovated to the highest standard”.Read More Football StoriesHowever news of their WSL side being from shifted from their £10million building to accommodate the men’s squad has angered some supporters.And scores took to social media platform X to question the move which comes a month after the team made history winning the Women’s FA Cup for the first time.One fan described it as “two steps back” whilst another posted that United’s WSL squad “deserves respect”.Earlier this month Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke about transforming the club’s Carrington training complex in a bid to improve performance.Most read in FootballThe Man United owner said: “When we conducted a thorough review of the Carrington training facilities and met with our men’s first-team players, it was clear the standards had fallen below some of our peers.”This project will ensure ­Manchester United’s training ground is once more renovated to the ­highest standards.”Lord Foster, a fellow ­Mancunian, has brought some great inspiration to the design, in ­conjunction with the Manchester United team.”We look forward to seeing the improvement to the facilities but most importantly on the pitch.”Reports of the women’s side moving into portable buildings come in a week in which United bid farewell to versatile forward Lucia Garcia.Today the club confirmed the departure of the Spain ace who netted a brace during their 4-0 FA Cup final win against Tottenham last month.The player who joined the Red Devils from Spanish club Athletic in July 2022 is has been linked with a move to Mexican top-flight champions Las Rayadas.Of her departure from United, Garcia said: “I am going to miss every single piece of Manchester United.”All my friends, all the team, all the staff, all the workers here. I think one of the hardest parts is to leave the fans.”I feel the support they give to me. I can feel they love me and I love them.READ MORE SUN STORIESLucia Garcia is leaving the Red Devils after two years with the club for a summer move to Mexican side Las RayadasCredit: Getty”I just feel it in my heart like ‘boom, boom, boom’. They give me the power to keep going, to keep fighting.”But at the end of the day, I have to say goodbye. “That’s so hard for me, and the only thing I can say to you all is I love you [from] the bottom of my heart.” More

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      Mary Earps set for Paris Saint-Germain summer move with England star to leave Manchester United as a free agent

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      MARY EARPS looks set to bring the curtain down on her Manchester United spell with the goalkeeper due to join Paris Saint-Germain.The Euros-winning shot stopper, 31, who previously attracted interest from Arsenal, is claimed to be close to sealing a summer transfer as a free agent.Mary Earps is thought to be close to joining Paris Saint-GermainCredit: GettyThe England star is set to join the French club as a free agent when her Man United contract expiresCredit: GettyFrench newspaper Le Parisien claims Earps is expected to become the highest paid goalkeeper in women’s football following her move.The England star’s current contract is due to expire this summer with the player on the verge of joining the team that knocked Man United out of the Women’s Champions League last October.The Red Devils had hoped to keep the goalkeeper who is one of the club’s most popular stars and helped her side win the Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history in May.Last season boss Marc Skinner spoke of his desire to retain Earps who was named Fifa’s Best Women’s Goalkeeper for 2023 in January.  Read More Football StoriesThe head coach, who signed a new deal in May extending his reign for another year, talked up the “huge role” Earps has played for the team.This includes helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time ever last year after they finished second behind Chelsea in the 2022-23 WSL season.However the 50-capped Lioness is set to become the third high profile international star to leave the club following the departures of Russo and full-back Ona Batlle last summer.Earps’ impending departure follows a season in which United slipped to fifth place a year on from pushing Chelsea all the way in a fiercely contested title race.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTheir fifth spot finish saw them miss out on a place in next term’s Champions League whilst also finishing below Liverpool in the WSL for the first time.According to Sky Sports PSG, who finished second in France’s top tier last season, had been interested in signing Earps back in January.Smiling Alex Scott looks awkward as BBC presenter is serenaded by adoring Arsenal fans while covering WSL clashThe Nottingham-born goalkeeper, who won the Golden Glove at last year’s Women’s World Cup, had previously been a target for United’s WSL rivals Arsenal.Aside from Earps, PSG are reportedly set to sign France centre-back Griedge Mbock from top-flight rivals Lyon.The 74-capped player was thought to be close to joining the club back in 2021 before opting to extend her stay at Lyon, according to Le Parisien.Her national side will face Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in the Women’s Euros qualifiers in July ahead of their bid to win gold at the Paris Olympics which start next month.Sandy Baltimore is reportedly due to join Chelsea from PSG this summer ending her eight-year run with the French clubCredit: ReutersLast week PSG forward Sandy Baltimore was reported to be close to joining Chelsea from PSG.The France ace, who bagged seven goals and four assists in 16 top-flight games last term, has undergone a medical according to Le Parisien.The move would see the 24-year-old striker join the club following arrival of new Blues boss and ex-Lyon head coach Sonia Bompastor. More

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      Reading’s Charlie Estcourt blasts ‘poor communication’ from club on future of women’s team

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      CHARLIE ESTCOURT has criticised a lack of communication from Reading officials over the future of the Royals’ women’s side.The Wales ace, 26, was sharing her thoughts a day after the launch of an online petition hoping to prevent the former WSL team and its girls’ academy from being axed.Reading and Wales midfelder Charlie Estcourt says she has not had much communication from the Royal concerning the situation facing their women’s teamCredit: AlamyPlayers and supporters fear the Royals’ girls academy and women’s side could be at risk of being axedEarlier this month it was reported the Royals’ women’s section, whose former players include England’s Fran Kirby and Mary Earps, could be at risk of being shut down.This follows the FA rejecting a proposed takeover bid of the club which is currently owned by businessman and entrepreneur Dai Yongge.According to The Guardian only two players from Reading Women’s senior side currently have contracts.Parents of players in the Royals’ girls academy say they have been warned “there is no guarantee for the women’s football club and academy for the 2024/25 season”.Read More Football StoriesAnd Estcourt, who helped her side finish tenth in the Women’s Championship last term, described the situation as a “worrying time” with costs being cut across the club.On Saturday, the 40-capped Wales midfielder told BBC Radio Berkshire: “We haven’t heard too much directly from the club, but have seen what everyone else has seen.”It doesn’t sound good. No kits being ordered for the women’s pre-season, threats of us dropping down to tier four or there not being a side at all, so it’s worrying times.”There had been whispers about it for a while. Most read in Football”I had never really taken them seriously and didn’t think there was any substance behind the rumours.”But as the off season has gone on we haven’t heard anything and with a couple of weeks left on people’s contracts, it feels as if it’s becoming very real.”As far as I know, no one knows anything but we haven’t heard from our staff so I don’t know whether that means they haven’t heard from anyone at the club.”The communication from all levels unfortunately has been very poor.”Estcourt’s comments in a BBC interview broadcast on June 21, came two days after the creation of an online petition call in support of Reading Women.The petition, which on Monday evening had 3,123 signatures, is calling on the FA to help avert “the permanent dissolution” of the side and its girls’ academy.Last term Reading’s Under-21s team won the Berks and Bucks Cup by beating the senior side of MK Dons.Although their Royals’ future is currently up the air, players who signed PGA academy contracts with Reading Women are currently restricted from contacting other clubs.  And one parent of a player says they will remain under contract unless the club were to lose its PGA academy status.It is claimed the FA will require confirmation of Reading’s academy status to be made by July 1.After this girls within the Royals’ academy will be free to contact other clubs.A parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “We were devastated to learn that there is an imminent threat to not only Reading Women’s football club, but also the girls’ academy too. “Reading FC have been pioneers in women’s football over the years and have had players such as Earps, Kirby and Fara Williams to name just a few. “Only last year, they were playing in the WSL. “Due to a cut in funding we’ve watched them struggle to maintain a place in the Championship which they successfully managed to do through sheer grit.”As the mother of a young player, I believe there is a huge discrepancy between how professional women’s football is portrayed and what it’s really like. READ MORE SUN STORIESLast season the Royals Under-21s women’s side won the Berks and Bucks Senior Women’s Cup”The FA narrative is that it’s a great time to be an elite young female football player in the UK, and that they can offer a clear and supportive pathway to become a Lioness. “However, the harsh reality on the ground is very different unless you’re signed to a club like Chelsea or Arsenal.” More

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      WSL clubs’ revenues double in season following the Lionesses’ historic Women’s Euros triumph at Wembley

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      WOMEN’S Super League clubs’ aggregate revenues rose by 50 per cent with teams generating £48million in the season before last (2022-23). And the collective revenues of top tier sides are expected to rise to £68million next term, according to finance firm Deloitte.WSL saw a growth in matchday attendance in the season following the Lionesses winning the 2022 Women’s EurosCredit: ReutersArsenal are among the clubs who have seen a rise in crowd numbers with the club set to host eight WSL games at the Emirates next seasonCredit: GettyThe company’s Annual Review of Football Finance, published today, says uplifts in commercial and matchday income have contributed to the growth in profits for WSL clubs.In the season that followed England winning the Women’s 2022 Euros, accumulative matchday revenues among WSL sides grew to £7m as they pushed to boost attendance.And last season, for the first time ever, collective attendance at games exceeded the one million mark across the top tier and Women’s Championship.Deloitte’s Sports Business insight lead Jenny Haskel, said: “WSL clubs are home to world-class players whose success on the international stage has drawn new fans to the domestic game.Read More Football Stories “Driving a loyal fanbase, habitual viewing and distinct commercial partnerships was a clear priority for WSL clubs in the 2022/23 season “The soaring revenue growth achieved demonstrates the strides that have been made. “However we’re still in the foothills of growth in the women’s game. “With NewCo set to step into the governance role in place of the FA this year, WSL clubs will be both participants in the competition and shareholders off the pitch. Most read in Football”As NewCo concentrates on growing the popularity, standards, and visibility of the women’s game in England, collaboration with clubs and other stakeholders will be an important element to continuing the efforts to attract the attention of commercial partners, investors, and crucially, fans.”Deloitte’s report outlined commercial earnings as the driver of income growth for clubs, representing 35% of total revenue (£17m) for top tier sides.Manchester United, their neighbours Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, all reported commercial revenues of over £1m.The Red Devils’ figure was £5.2m and Man City’s was £3.6m. Meanwhile Liverpool’s and Tottenham’s reported were £3m and Tottenham Hotspur £1.7m. However WSL sides also experienced pre-tax losses between the 2020-21 and 2022-23 seasons with this figure rising from £14m to £21mThis is despite being alleviated by the inclusion of £17.4m of group income for certain clubs.Deloitte’s review found that while the average revenue for WSL clubs was £4m in the season before last (2022/23), up from £2.7m in the previous year, there remained a disparity across the league.The league’s top four revenue-generating clubs make up 66% of the total profit for the division.Deloitte Sports Business lead partner, Tim Bridge added:  “Many women’s clubs continue to rely on financial contributions from their wider group structure.Deloitte say continued investment is important for sustained growth across women’s footballCredit: Getty”However this is not a new revelation in football where many owners prop up the shortfalls of loss-making clubs.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s important the industry does not hold women’s clubs to a profitability metric that the wider game has yet to consistently achieve.”We’re seeing significant growth across the women’s game and continued investment is key.” More

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      Ellie Roebuck hails ‘perfect’ Barcelona move after Catalan giants sign the ex-Manchester City ace on a two-year deal

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      ELLIE ROEBUCK reckons her switch to Barcelona has come at a perfect time after sealing a move to the Catalan giants.The ex-Manchester City goalkeeper, 24, has joined the club as a free agent on a contract running until June 2026.Ellie Roebuck’s Barcelona move follows her announcing her departure from Manchester City last monthCredit: GettyThe Sheffield-born goalkeeper lifted three FA Cups and three Conti Cups during her eight-year stint with the CityzensCredit: GettyRoebuck’s Barcelona move has comes almost two years on from Lucy Bronze (pictured) and Keira Walsh joining the Liga F titansCredit: AFPRoebuck’s move, following her May departure from Man City, has seen her become the third Lioness to join the nine-time champions of Spain’s top-flight since 2022. Two years ago the Catalan giants signed her fellow ex-City aces Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh. And Roebuck’s switch comes three months after the Sheffield-born England star opened up on being the “on the road to recovery” from a stroke.  Of her Barca move, Roebuck, who made 100 Cityzens appearances, said: “I want to go private and live a new experience.Read More Football Stories”There’s no better place to do it than here, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”I like to play with the ball at my feet and this is the perfect team to do that. “They like to have possession and play from the back, so I hope to bring my style.”I am very excited. I had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I am very happy to be here.Most read in Football“You could say that now everything has fallen into place, it was the perfect time to come.”Roebuck moved to Man City from Sheffield United’s Centre of Excellence in 2015 before signing her first professional deal with the Cityzens three years later.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 2019-20 season saw her keep ten clean sheets in 16 Women’s Super League games, winning the WSL’s inaugural Golden Glove award. Four years ago, the player who has won three FA Cups and three League Cups and a WSL title, was shortlisted for Fifa’s Best Women’s goalkeeper gong.However last season Roebuck did not feature in any top-flight games for City with teenage shot stopper Khiara Keating impressing for the side.And in March the goalkeeper revealed she had suffered a type of stroke known as a left occipital infarct, but had no lasting damage to her brain or vision.Back then, she said: “Life can throw unexpected challenges at you. “If this year has taught me anything, it’s that I’m strong and will give it all I’ve got for the thing I love most.”Roebuck’s Barcelona switch comes 11 days after the departure of the team’s former first-choice goalkeeper Sandra Panos.It also comes month after the Liga F giants won the Women’s Champions League for the third time in their history with a 2-0 victory against French juggernauts Lyon.Roebuck’s move will see her compete for game time with goalkeepers Cata Coll and Gemma Font.Majorca-born shot-stopper Coll was part of the Spain side that beat England in the final of last year’s Women’s World Cup.Roebuck was part of the Lionesses squad that won the 2022 Euros and reached the Women’s World Cup final last summer.And the former City ace, who has kept six clean sheets for England, hopes to get back into contention for international call-ups.Roebuck will compete for game time with Barcelona goalkeeper team-mates Cata Coll (pictured) and Gemma FontCredit: ReutersIn April, the 11-capped goalkeeper said: “To be a part of the squad that won (the Euros) was incredible. READ MORE SUN STORIES”To do that back-to-back would just be a dream.”My perception on life has taken a massive shift and this is something I’d be grateful to be a part of again.” More

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      Keira Walsh thought to be in Barcelona’s plans for next season despite Arsenal interest, according to reports

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      BARCELONA are thought to be keen on retaining Keira Walsh’s services amid reported interest from Arsenal.Walsh, 27, who helped the team win their third Champions League trophy in May, is thought to be a Gunners summer transfer target. Keira Walsh is reportedly attracting interest from ArsenalCredit: GettyThe England midfield star is due to enter the final year of her contract with BarcelonaCredit: AFPLast Friday, the Athletic reported the WSL side are interested in signing the midfielder who joined the Catalan club almost two years ago from Manchester City.Following her September 2022 move the England ace has gradually flourished in Barcelona’s midfield a longside Patri Guijarro and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati.The player, who spent seven years at Man City, has helped the team win seven major trophies including two top-flight titles.Silverware triumphs for Walsh, who sealed a world transfer recording-breaking £400,000 Barca switch two years ago, include a quadruple during the side’s 2023-24 campaign.Read More Football StoriesLast season the Catalan giants won the Copa de la Reina and the Spanish Women’s Super Cup for the tenth and fourth time.These trophy wins occurred under former boss Jonatan Giraldez who left this month to become head coach of US side Washington Spirit. Since her move to Spain Walsh has started in 32 the team’s 49 top-flight games in the past two seasons.The England ace who, is set to help their Lionesses continue their push for an automatic place at next year’s Euros, has one year left on her current Barcelona contract.Most read in FootballIt is thought Spain’s top-flight champs are likely to after a hefty fee from the Gunners if they continue their chase for the midfielder.And the Athletic claims Arsenal’s interest in the player occurred before playmaker Victoria Pelova suffered a knee ligament injury whilst on international duty with the Netherlands.Spanish outlet Relovo reports discussions between Barcelona and Arsenal over the potential transfer of Walsh are at an advanced stage.However sports newspaper Mundo Deportivo claims sources have informed them the midfielder is part of Barca’s plans for next season.Mariona Caldentey has reportedly agreed to join Arsenal this summerCredit: EPAShould Arsenal succeed in signing Walsh it would see her become the second player from the Catalan side to join the club this summer.According to Sky Sports Mariona Caldentey has reached an agreement to join the Gunners when her Barcelona contract expires at the end of June.Barca’s women’s side are now under new management with Pere Romeu taking over as head coach following Giraldez’s departure. More

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      Arsenal ace Victoria Pelova set for ‘extended period’ out of action following ACL injury

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      ARSENAL have been dealt an injury blow with Victoria Pelova suffering a knee ligament tear on Netherlands duty.Earlier today the club confirmed the Dutch forward, 25, ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a Women’s Euros qualifier.A serious knee injury led to Victoria Pelova coming off in the 12th minute of the Netherlands’ Euros qualifier score draw with FinlandCredit: ReutersArsenal confirmed Pelova has ruptured her anterior cruciate ligamentCredit: GettyPelova went off injured early on in her country’s 1-1 draw with Finland last Tuesday.The Gunners’ playmaker was forced to withdraw in the 12th minute of the clash at Tammelan Stadium after “extending her knee”.Pelova’s ACL rupture has come at a time of Arsenal planning to boost their attacking ranks following the departure of her compatriot Vivianne Miedema.The Netherland’s forward, 27, who is the WSL’s current all-time top scorer, left the club last month ending her seven-year stint.Read More Football StoriesHowever the Gunners, who finished third season and won this year’s Conti Cup, are claimed to have sealed a move for Mariona Caldentey.Sky Sports reports the Spain forward, 28, and three-time Champions League-winning ex-Barcelona ace is expected to join Arsenal next month.Yesterday Gunners’ full-back Laura Wienroither, 25, signed a new contract with the club two months after her return from an ACL rupture.In the past two years the WSL giants have contended with a number of their stars being sidelined for months due to knee ligament damage.  Most read in FootballLeah Williamson, 27, Beth Mead, 29, and Miedema are among those to have returned to action last term after suffering ACL injuries the season before. Mariona Caldentey is expected to join Arsenal next month, according to reportsCredit: EPAPelova, who helped her side win the Conti Cup in March, will undergo surgery “in due course” according to an update on her club’s web site.The Netherlands attacker is set for an extended period on the sidelines. It means she will miss Arsenal Women’s first ever pre-season tour of the United States in August.  More