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      Arsenal confirm signing of Blackstenius with WSL leaders also linked with a January move for Brazil star Souza

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS has sealed her January move to Arsenal, ending weeks of transfer speculation.And it is thought the WSL giants are keen on Brazil defender Rafaelle Souza, 30.
      Stina Blackstenius has sealed her move to ArsenalCredit: Getty
      The league leaders announced Blackstenius’ arrival ahead of their duel with Reading, sharing footage of the player training with her new team-mates.
      The striker, who came to the Gunners as a free agent, will wear the club’s No 25 shirt.
      Of her move, the forward, 25, said: “It feels amazing to be here, I’m so happy to join such a big and great club like Arsenal.
      “I got a really good first impression about this club, they play really good football and I wanted to be a part of that.
      “I feel like I can become a better player in this environment.”
      Blackstenius finished last season as the highest scorer in Sweden’s top-flight, netting 17 times in 21 games for former club BK Hacken.
      Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, added: “We’re delighted to have signed Stina.
      “She is a world-class talent who will add even more quality to our team.
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      “Her game is well-suited to the style we are implementing here at Arsenal, and I’m confident that she will take her game to an even higher level here with us.”
      Blackstenius began her senior playing career at 15 with Swedish outfit Vadstena.
      Prior to her Gunners switch the striker had spells with Linkoping, French side Montpellier and BK Hacken between 2013 and January this year.
      Two league crowns and a Swedish Cup are among the major honours the player won during her stints with Linkoping and Hacken.
      And the forward helped Sweden to silver medal wins at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and the Tokyo 2020 games.
      Blackstenius was previously linked with Manchester United and Tottenham before her Arsenal moveCredit: Getty
      Eidevall insists Arsenal’s swoop for the highly-rated forward has nothing to do with the future of Vivianne Miedema.
      The Dutch star’s Gunners contract is due to expire this summer with Barcelona and Paris-Saint Germain thought to be interested in the player.
      The Meadow Park chief told reporters: “For me, the arrival of Stina has nothing to with the future for Viv.
      “To sign Stina and make her an addition to the squad, I think is the right way to go.
      On the forward’s attacking play, Eidevall added: “With Stina, especially with the way she has performed in the national team, it’s her ability to score goals in really big games.
      “That is down to a lot of factors, but the main one is that she is excellent at running in behind.
      “It’s a quality that we have missed in the squad. That ability to punish teams that are playing with such a high defending line, so she will help us with that.”
      Rafaelle Souza is rumoured to be another January target for the WSL leadersCredit: Getty
      Eidevall hinted Arsenal had further business to do in the transfer window with a number of their players competing in the Asia Cup this month.
      And it is claimed the Gunners are targeting Brazil international Souza with the defender linked with a WSL move.
      Eidevall added: “We’re not done yet in this window, but we work hard. Hopefully, and not so long in the future, we can give some more news regarding players.” More

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      in Soccer

      Blackstenius confirms BK Hacken exit with striker linked to Arsenal and a Women’s Super League move

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      STINA BLACKSTENIUS could be set for a WSL switch this month with the striker heavily linked to Arsenal.News outlets in Sweden claim the North London side is a likely destination for the forward following her spell at BK Hacken with the club confirming her exit.
      Arsenal target Stina Blackstenius netted 17 goals in Sweden’s top tier last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Swedish paper Goteborgs-Posten reports Blackstenius, 25, is expected to arrive in England in days to sign for a ‘top side’.
      And the player’s contract with Hacken expired at the start of this year with the forward’s departure announced by the club earlier today.
      In her leaving interview with the team’s official website, Blackstenius said: “I am very grateful for everything Hacken has done.
      “I feel proud to have been a part of this club. I only see the club growing in the coming years.”
      In recent weeks Blackstenius was rumoured to be a Manchester United target with Tottenham also thought to be keen.
      But Jonas Eidevall’s side are reported to be leading the race to sign the forward according to BBC Sport.
      Blackstenius, who began her senior playing career at 15, in her hometown Vadstena, has emerged as one of Europe’s most talented strikers in recent years.
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      In 2015 the forward was crowned the top scorer of the Women’s Under-19 Euros netting six goals in five games.
      The player joined Hacken in 2020 after stints at Vadstena, Linkopings and French Ligue 1 side Montpellier.
      Her goalscoring prowess helped Hacken win the 2021 Swedish Cup.
      And the side finished second in the race for the country’s league title last term with Eidevall leading Rosengard to the crown before heading to Arsenal.
      Blackstenius, a 2021 Ballon d’Or nominee, racked up 17 goals and eight assists in Sweden’s top division last term.
      The striker helped her nation to a silver medal win at the Tokyo Olympics with Canada claiming gold.  
      The highly-rated forward has scored 22 times in 72 international games for her country.
      Blackstenius has emerged as a transfer target for some of Europe’s top clubsCredit: AP More

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      NBA legend Dennis Rodman’s daughter Trinity, 19, called up to USA football team and could make debut next month

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      TRINITY RODMAN could be set to make her first senior appearance for the USA Women’s football team in February.The Washington Spirit starlet, and daughter of maverick NBA hero Dennis, received her first senior call-up to a training camp with the team.
      Trinity Rodman could be in line to make a USA appearance at the SheBelieves CupCredit: AP
      Trinity’s father Dennis Rodman is considered one of the NBA’S greatest players.Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Rodman, 19, will be part of the 25-strong USA squad taking part in the USA’s first training camp of the year in Texas this month.
      The forward – seen as one of her nation’s most promising talents – could feature for the side against the Czech Republic, New Zealand and Iceland in the SheBelieves Cup.
      US head coach Vlatko Adonovski told USA Today: “(Rodman) was one of the most exciting players in the league this past season, and she proved that she can be impactful at the professional level in (National Women’s Soccer League).
      “She is still a young player, but we do want to expose her to the environment where she can get her feet wet a little bit
      “And hopefully she can continue growing and show what she was able to do in the league she can do at the international level.
      “We don’t want to rush anything. We’ve got to be patient.”
      Rodman, who began her journey as a club player at the age of 10, has blossomed into a rising star of the NWSL, the top tier of the women’s game in the United States.
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      The California-born forward notched up five goals and six assists in 22 games for the Spirit in 2021, helping them win their first top-flight Championship crown last November.
      And that triumph came two months on from the sacking of head coach Richie Burke following an investigation into allegations of harassment and abuse of players.
      Last January, Rodman, then 18, became the youngest player ever to be recruited by a professional US women’s football side.
      Dennis Rodman played for the Chicago Bulls alongside Michael JordanCredit: Reuters
      And her eye-catching performances saw her named the NWSL’s Rookie of the Year as well as receiving a US Soccer Young Female Player gong.
      Rodman, who turns in 20 in May, is the youngest daughter of NBA Hall of Fame hero Dennis.
      The five-time NBA title winner, 60, is widely regarded as one of the best power forwards in basketball history.
      His career highlights include three title wins with the Chicago Bulls in 1996, 1997 and 1998 and two with the Detroit Pistons.
      In recent years Rodman has sparked controversy with his highly publicised friendship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un.
      And the Chicago Bulls star was invited to visit North Korea in 2013. More

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      Leah Williamson seals new ‘dream’ deal with Arsenal amid speculation over Gunners future of team-mate Vivianne Miedema

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      LEAH WILLIAMSON described her new deal with Arsenal as a ‘dream come true’ after agreeing to extend her career with the WSL giants.The England ace has signed a new contract with the Gunners just seven months after putting pen to paper on her previous agreement.  
      Jonas Eidevall says Leah Williamson is ‘integral’ to Arsenal’s plans for the futureCredit: Getty
      However, the North London club have chosen not to specify the length of the Buckinghamshire-born centre-back’s new deal.
      Williamson, who skippered the Lionesses during Steph Houghton’s absence through injury, has been at Arsenal since the age of nine.
      On her new contract, the 24-year-old said: “I’m as grateful as ever to have the opportunity to do what I do here – at home – and I’m very proud to continue to represent my family playing for Arsenal and to wear the badge.”
      “It was a dream come true the first time that I signed here and the feeling hasn’t changed. 
      Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, added: “As well as being a key player for us right now, she is also an integral part of our plans for the future
      “She is a player for us to build Arsenal around and show the young women in our academy what can be achieved through hard work, dedication and passion.
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      “I know Leah has a special bond with the fans too – it’s so important for the supporters to identify with the players and they certainly have that in Leah.”
      Williamson, currently out of action with a hamstring injury, rose through Arsenal’s academy ranks making her first-team debut in 2014 as a second-half sub in a league clash with Birmingham.
      The defender has established herself as a lynchpin in the Gunners backline netting 13 goals in 179 appearances.
      And she helped the team win five major domestic trophies including a league title and two FA Cups.
      Williamson’s presence in defence has been sorely missed with Arsenal losing three of their last four games.
      Results include a shock 2-0 away loss to Birmingham who are second from bottom and battling to avoid relegation. 
      Williamson’s new deal will come as a welcome boost to Arsenal with speculation mounting around the future of star forward Vivianne Miedema.
      The current contract for the player who joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2017, is due to expire at the end of this season.
      Miedema, 25, who is one of the WSL’s most prolific goal scorers, is thought to be a summer transfer target for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, according to Telegraph Sport.
      Vivianne Miedema’s contract with Arsenal is due to expire at the end of this termCredit: Getty
      It is claimed the Catalan and French giants are leading the chase for the Netherlands star’s signature alongside clubs in America’s NWSL.
      The striker has scored 67 times in 75 WSL games since her arrival.
      It is thought Miedema has not ruled out the potential to remain with Arsenal. More

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      Carter hails Birmingham’s shock defeat of Arsenal in the WSL as Reading beat Leicester to go sixth

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      DARREN CARTER praised Birmingham for ’emptying the tank’ against Arsenal after they stunned the league leaders at St Andrew’s.The Midlands outfit pulled off the biggest shock this term to beat the Gunners 2-0 and win their first WSL game in 14 MONTHS.
      Veatrikki Sarri scored her first WSL goal of the season during Birmingham’s defeat of ArsenalCredit: PA
      The surprise result saw the leaders concede three points for the first time this season with Jonas Eidevall slamming his team’s performance.
      And it led to Birmingham’s first win since a defeat of Liverpool in October 2019 with Eidevall enduring his first loss.
      After the game, Carter, whose side moved off the foot of the table, said: “That performance epitomises what they are about as a group.
      “I asked them was to empty the tank and they gave us everything. They put in a top performance against a top team.”
      Birmingham got off the mark in the third minute with Libby Smith latching onto a through ball to net from the edge of the area.
      And the hosts doubled their lead close to half-time with Veatriki Sarri’s top corner strike.
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      The second half saw the Gunners attempt to mount a fightback with Kim Little prompting a fine block from Gemma Lawley.
      But their Brum opponents held out to pull off a memorable win with Arsenal missing the chance to extend their lead over Chelsea at the top of the table  
      Eidevall, whose team face Reading next, said: “We were so slow in getting numbers of players into the box.
      “What we were not doing – which we’ve done well so far this season – is anticipating moments and working well together as a team.
      “I saw some players sprinting, some jogging and some walking to get in position. Our players on the ball should have better decision making.”  
      Elsewhere Natasha Dowie helped the Royals go six games unbeaten with a narrow defeat of Leicester.
      The striker who missed a first-half pen sent a lob over Demi Lambourne with the Royals sealing a 1-0 win to go sixth.
      And the result saw the Foxes return to the bottom of the WSL. 
      Natasha Dowie and the Royals are four points behind third-placed TottenhamCredit: Getty More

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      Bedford aims to beef up battle for spots in Leicester’s front line with loan signings of Goodwin and Gregory

      by

      LYDIA BEDFORD wants to ramp up competition for places in Leicester’s attack following the loan signings of Missy Goodwin and Freya Gregory.The Aston Villa starlets will be part of the squad facing Reading following several cases of Covid-19 within the Midlands side.
      Villa winger Freya Gregory has sealed a temporary move to Leicester in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty
      The forwards – both 18 – have joined the Foxes until the end of this season with the club battling to avoid relegation and build on their first win in the league in a 2-0 defeat of Birmingham.
      Each has represented England at youth level with forward Goodwin featuring for the Under-19s and Gregory playing for the Under-17s.
      Bedford, 34, said: “The team are still riding the wave of what they felt from that Birmingham game and they’re confident.
      “The addition of these players will raise the competitiveness in the squad and help us maintain momentum going into the next few games.
      “Missy is a really technically talented forward who secures the ball, holds off players and creates space extremely well.
      “She has also got a great delivery when she gets the opportunity to do so.
      “Freya is naturally left-footed, which adds another dimension to us.
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      “She has a wicked delivery of the ball from her left foot, whether that’s set plays or in open play and she’s quick.
      “I’m expecting Freya to have a great impact in forward areas, but also as a wingback as she’s got the ability to play deeper.”
      Kelly Chambers’ Royals, currently eighth, have lost just three of the 15 WSL games they have played against newly-promoted sides.
      And the Foxes, who are second from bottom, have beaten the team in two of their last three clashes including a 2-1 win in an FA Cup duel in 2020.
      However, Reading come into this off the back of five wins in their last six games across all competitions.
      Results include a surprise 1-0 defeat of champions Chelsea with Canada ace Deanne Rose netting against the Blues.
      Bedford added: “Reading are a tough team and four wins and one draw from their last six games speaks for itself.
      “I remember Kelly as a player because I was at Barnet when she was at Reading. She’s had a fantastic career and done a great job there.
      “There’s a real grittiness about her team and how they play and they’re very good at coming back into things when they go behind.”
      Chambers, whose side finished seventh last term, has high hopes for where the Royals could end up in the table this season.
      Leicester are targeting a first win against Reading in the WSLCredit: �MI News & Sport Ltd
      The team are seven points behind third-placed Tottenham with the race for a Champions League spot currently wide open.
      Chambers said: “We’ll be taking every game as it comes and really try to pick up the results where we want to.
      “We are beginning to see glimpses of the team coming together. We have to continue that now.
      “If we do that, I believe the sky is the limit for where we want and can finish in the league.” More

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      Brighton boss Powell hopes for more protection of women’s clubs after Coventry United liquidation scare

      by

      HOPE POWELL wants better protection for sides in the Women’s Championship following Coventry United surviving liquidation. The Brighton chief was reflecting on a last-minute deal that saw the second-tier side rescued from collapse after a takeover by energy business owner Lewis Taylor.
      Hope Powell says Coventry United’s situation is an example of how vulnerable the women’s game can beCredit: Alamy
      However, the club, who are bottom of the Championship, have been hit with a 10-point deduction for breaking the division’s competition rules.
      Before the points penalty was announced, Powell, 55, said: “It’s (Coventry’s situation) has really highlighted how vulnerable at times the women’s game still is.
      “While it has shifted and moved so far very quickly – some players are professional, full-time athletes now and on very decent contracts, there is still a wide gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’.
      “We really have to be mindful of the fact that this is still happening (in the women’s game) and can still happen and we need to ensure that those clubs are protected.
      “The situation that arose at Coventry is something that we don’t want to happen again.
      “If there is an organisation like the PFA (that can help) that would be fantastic.
      “We’re talking about people’s lives here. We have to try and protect the clubs and protect the players in the clubs as best we can.”
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
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      Sky Sports reports Taylor intends to appeal against Coventry’s points deduction once he completes a takeover of the West Midlands side which is expected to be finalised next week.
      When asked for her thoughts on improving the sustainability of clubs in the women’s game, Powell talked of her experience with Brighton and their alignment with Albion’s men’s team.
      Powell added: “If I look at Brighton the reason why we’ve done so well is that we’re fully embraced into the men’s club, and we are financed and supported.
      “It’s very difficult to be self-sufficient and rely on external funding but I know Durham have done it. Yeovil did it for years, but that wasn’t sustainable.”
      Albion are set to host Manchester City in their first match of the year in one of just three top tier clashes going ahead on Sunday.
      Covid-19 has caused havoc with four fixtures in the WSL and the Championship with Chelsea’s, West Ham’s, Everton’s and Durham Women’s games called off.
      Brighton hope to stop sixth-placed Man City moving above them in the tableCredit: Getty
      The Seagulls, who are currently fifth and two points ahead of Man City, are in the race for a top-three finish this term.
      Their last two league encounters between the sides resulted in a scoreless draw in September 2020 followed by a hefty 7-1 away win for City last January.
      Powell says her players have no intention of being pushovers for their visitors.
      The Brighton boss added: “It will be a tough game whoever they put out.
      “But we’re not going to roll over and make it easy because they are Man City. We want to win the game.” More

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      England ace Hemp extends Manchester City stay with a new deal confirmed before Brighton clash

      by

      LAUREN HEMP has given Manchester City a boost by agreeing to a two-year contract extension with the club.The new deal will see the England starlet, 21, remain with the Academy Stadium giants until the summer of 2024.
      Gareth Taylor says Lauren Hemp is one of England’s brightest young talentsCredit: Getty
      It comes seven months on from the forward being named the PFA’s Young Player of the Year after a successful end to a season initially hampered by a hamstring injury.
      Hemp, whose side face Brighton next, said: “I’m surrounded by some of the best players and coaching staff in the world and having them around me will only help to develop me even further over the coming years.
      “It’s a club where we’re constantly competing for trophies and success.
      “I’ve already enjoyed some amazing moments here since joining three-and-a-half years ago, and I know that there is much more to come from this team.”
      Hemp, who made the move north from Bristol in 2018, has netted 28 goals in 81 appearances for City across all competitions.
      Her tally includes six goals and eight assists in 15 top-flight games for the club last term.
      And they took the battle for last season’s title to the wire finishing two points behind champions Chelsea.
      The Man City star’s efforts saw her pick up a third successive PFA player award.
      It also led to her being chosen to represent Team GB at the women’s football tournament at the Tokyo Olympics.
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      This season Hemp has missed just one game for Gareth Taylor’s side in contrast to last term which saw her sidelined with hamstring problems from September to December.
      And Taylor believes there is more to come from the player who currently has 12 senior England caps.
      The Academy Stadium boss said: “Lauren is one of the game’s brightest young talents, is an absolute pleasure to work with and has a very exciting future ahead of her.
      “We’re only just scratching the surface with her at 21 years old.
      “That’s an incredible thought given what she has achieved so far in her short career, but she’s also still learning from everyone here.
      “We can’t wait to see what the next couple of years hold for us as a team and her as a player.”
      Hemp and City are set to play Brighton in their first game of the yearCredit: Getty More