List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe says she is “feeling good” and that “everything is looking really positive” after she sustained an ankle issue in Thursday’s World Cup warm-up match against France. The 3-0 loss for Vera Pauw’s side at Dublin’s Tallaght Stadium saw Arsenal’s McCabe come off due to the problem in the 29th minute. Speaking to Sky Sports News on Friday as she and her team-mates prepared to fly from Dublin Airport to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, McCabe said: “I’m feeling good. “I basically was running through and I kind of rolled my ankle, but I’ve been for scans and stuff this morning and everything is looking really positive. “So I’m in a good a place and hopefully will be back on the pitch early next week.” Asked if she would have to miss a few days’ training, the versatile 27-year-old said: “Depends on how I go on the flight, hopefully it doesn’t blow up. I think maybe a day or two, but I am feeling good, which is nice.” The team, playing at a major tournament for the first time in their history, open their World Cup campaign by facing Australia in Sydney on July 20. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Erik ten Hag is intent on offloading Harry Maguire, Fred, Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho in the next two weeks to kickstart a badly needed streamlining of the Manchester United squad, as he seeks to mount a title challenge for next season. The Dutch coach is understood to have made definitive decisions on who he wants to keep, in a situation that has been likened to Mikel Arteta's first full summer at Arsenal. Ten Hag is aware that a group works at optimum when everyone is totally focused and involved, and that it is better to jettison those who do not feature as part of long-term plans. This has placed Maguire in a tricky position, not least because England manager Gareth Southgate has told him he needs to get regular Premier League football to keep his place for Euro 2024. West Ham United are among the clubs that have so far expressed tentative interest but have been put off by the cost of any deal. The Old Trafford hierarchy have set a value of £50m but buying clubs believe he is actually available for £35m. The main issue with Maguire remains high wages. This has actually proved United's primary problem in a long-standing struggle to sell players. Too many are on high salaries from previous management regimes, with potential buyers unwilling to go so high and players consequently unwilling to move. Ten Hag has nevertheless made his hierarchy at centre-back clear, with Victor Lindelof the main replacement and Luke Shaw seen as the second back-up. That will give Maguire a decision, but there aren't currently too many suitable takers. A loan is a potential option. Fulham meanwhile retain interest in Fred while both West Ham United and Newcastle United have been monitoring Scott McTominay, depending on movements with both. Arsenal are expected to hold a medical for Declan Rice in the next 48 hours, which will likely see West Ham accelerate plans to replace the England midfielder amid a new recruitment structure. It is understood that Sancho has been broached as a possible sale to Tottenham Hotspur but there hasn't been much feedback yet. United would ideally see him as a makeweight in any move for Harry Kane but the England record scorer's future remains uncertain, and is actually widely seen as one of those that could "unlock" the rest of the transfer market. Even though Kane's preference would be to go to Old Trafford, it is currently seen as highly unlikely due to the difficulty of negotiating with Daniel Levy. As it is, United are planning without him, and a current target for the summer is to bring in Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana and potentially Atalanta's Rasmus Hojland on top of Mason Mount, with further signings dependent on sales. Read More Mason Mount says it was clear ‘several months ago’ he was not in Chelsea’s plans Manchester United transfer news: Mason Mount signs from Chelsea as Andre Onana bid made Football rumours: Manchester United lining up bid for Rasmus Hojlund

Fan representatives will meet with the Football Association over the next two weeks amid concerns over the FA Cup’s future. The FA is in talks with the Premier League over a long-term partnership to sell overseas Premier League and FA Cup rights collectively in the future, the PA news agency understands. It has been reported the partnership would effectively lead to the FA handing control over its most prestigious competition to the Premier League. The Football Supporters’ Association expressed its concern at the reports on Thursday and said it had written to the FA to request a meeting. PA understands the fans’ group got a swift response from FA chief executive Mark Bullingham. No date has been fixed, but it is understood the intention is for the meeting to take place over the next couple of weeks. The FSA has been encouraged by the level of engagement it has had with the FA in recent years, with FA chair Debbie Hewitt becoming the first person in her position to attend one of the FSA’s events in person when she helped open the European Football Fans Congress in Manchester last month. Fan sources hope the governing body will be able to allay concerns over what any deal with the Premier League might mean for the FA Cup. Reports have suggested it could mean the scrapping of replays, making the cup a midweek competition and stripping the final of its own slot at the end of the domestic season. Talks around how the domestic calendar could look from 2024-25, when the expansion of UEFA’s club competitions will create extra pressure, were already part of the ‘New Deal For Football’ discussions involving the FA, the Premier League and the EFL. Those talks are aimed at finding an ‘all game solution’ to various issues including financial distribution from the Premier League to the EFL and the pyramid, cost controls and work permits. The FSA’s most recent fan survey found 70 per cent of supporters wanted replays to remain a part of the FA Cup, while fewer than 10 per cent backed the idea of all FA Cup ties being played in midweek. The meeting is likely to come after the new tender process for the overseas rights has closed, with the deadline for invitations set at July 17. The Infront Sports and Media agency had been given preferred bidder status for a portion of the overseas rights by the FA in early May in the original tender process, but said the FA had abruptly paused negotiations after receiving a third party offer which it needed to assess. PA understands the new tender is much longer term than the original, and includes all overseas rights when existing deals expire. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Lauren James thanks Emma Hayes for ‘helping me get back to being myself again’ Willie Peters: Big win at MKM Stadium counts for little in Hull derby rematch Alun Wyn Jones joins Toulon on short-term contract

Real Madrid are intent on holding their nerve in securing Kylian Mbappe for free next summer, despite Paris Saint-Germain announcing their preference to sell him for a fee this summer. The French star's decision to tell the Qatari-owned club he would not be extending his contract next summer continues to shape this summer's window, and has now led to a "shocked and disappointed" Nasser Al Khelaifi admitting "he can't leave for free". It is widely accepted in football that Mbappe will eventually go to Madrid but there is currently a stand-off between the two clubs from long-held tensions around the player and other issues. PSG are adamant Madrid must pay what they want. But Bernabeu president Florentino Perez does not want to pay PSG a penny for Mbappe. The Spanish club recently announced that their spending was finished for the summer with the surprising deal for Joselu, who is seen as a temporary replacement for Karim Benzema before going all in on Mbappe next summer. Madrid are determined to stick to that and hold their nerve and do not currently plan to spend any more, with their budget for the summer settled. The only element that may change that is if Mbappe himself encourages a move. Little competition for Mbappe is envisaged, in part because of his own desire to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo and go to the Bernabeu, and in part because of a rare status that prices all but about four or five clubs out of being able to sign him. Sources with knowledge of the situation were on Friday insistent that there was no bid from Liverpool, as any such move is simply beyond the club's transfer plans. In any case, it is understood that Arsenal would actually be Mbappe's first preference if he were to ever go to the Premier League, both because he likes the evolution of Mikel Arteta's team and would also enjoy the challenge of delivering the title to the club again. He is nevertheless seen as way beyond Arsenal's budget, too, and it should be stressed there has been no contact. Much will depend on whether there is a serious move, either by another club or Mbappe himself, as to whether Madrid go on to purchase him this summer. The player himself is nevertheless relaxed about the situation. It is not seen as realistic that PSG park him on the bench for the season if they can't secure a fee this summer. Read More The ‘problem’ Kylian Mbappe faces after disrupting the entire transfer market What next for Kylian Mbappe? Real Madrid, Man Utd and other options for PSG forward Lionel Messi to Inter Miami: Apple deal, MLS contract, salary, debut and everything we know

What the papers say Manchester United are preparing a big-money move for a new striker, according to the Daily Telegraph. The paper reports United will make a £50million swoop for Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund, 20, from Atalanta. Another Dane could be heading out of the Premier League with Atletico Madrid approaching Tottenham over a move for Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, reports the Daily Mail. Bayern Munich have also been linked with the 27-year-old midfielder. Chelsea will have to dig deep in their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo. The Daily Telegraph reports they will need to pay more than £100m for the 21-year-old from Ecuador. West Ham are looking at a potential move for midfielder Denis Zakaria from Juventus. The Guardian said the Switzerland international, 26, could head to London on loan with an option to buy for £14.5m. Social media round-up Players to watch Max Kilman: Wolves have turned down a £30m bid from Napoli for the English defender, 26. Wilfried Zaha: The Crystal Palace forward, 30, is considering offers from Lazio, Fenerbahce and Al-Nassr. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Vera Pauw says Republic of Ireland must wait to discover the extent of the injury that captain Katie McCabe suffered only two weeks before their opening World Cup game. Arsenal player McCabe rolled her ankle during the first half of the 3-0 Dublin defeat to France as Ireland received a painful World Cup send-off. McCabe had to be substituted after 29 minutes and Republic manager Pauw admitted they now have to play a waiting game ahead of their World Cup opener against tournament hosts Australia on July 20. “It’s an ankle injury, she rolled over, she stepped off the foot of the opponent and we can’t say anything now,” Pauw told RTE after Ireland were picked apart after making a promising start at the Tallaght Stadium. “We’ll see how it goes but hopefully it will not be too bad. “Katie was fantastic on the pitch and you miss that. It definitely changed the game, we were in control (until the injury). “You can not blame the one coming on. Issy (Atkinson) did really well but Katie is extraordinary and of course you miss that immensely.” Ireland should have been ahead after 11 minutes when Kyra Carusa finished Sinead Farrelly’s flick on. The goal was ruled out for offside despite television replays showing that Carusa had timed her run perfectly. With no VAR to correct the decision, France – ranked fifth in the world and 17 places higher than Ireland – made the most of their good fortune after McCabe had left the action. Maelle Lakrar and Eugenie Le Sommer struck in first-half stoppage time, and the former sealed matters with a powerful header just after the hour mark. Pauw said: “We were all so proud and it was such a shame in two minutes that we had individual mistakes. “That is why we play these games, France is one of the candidates to become world champions. “You could see the difference in quality and we know that. We’re not there but it’s a very good exercise. “You learn from playing this level and from these little details that you have to be better.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Wimbledon day four: Curfew prevents Andy Murray joining other British winners Andy Murray Centre Court classic curtailed by curfew at Wimbledon Liam Broady lives his childhood dream with epic Centre Court victory

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta bid farewell to a “fantastic player and person” as Granit Xhaka left the club for Bayer Leverkusen. The 30-year-old made the move to the Bundesliga side after a seven-year stint in north London that saw him win the FA Cup twice but also be stripped of the club captaincy. Xhaka has signed a five-year deal with Leverkusen and the PA news agency understands the deal is worth €25million to the Gunners. During a topsy-turvy Arsenal career, the Switzerland international was also stripped of the armband by Unai Emery after swearing at supporters as his substitution in a game against Crystal Palace was cheered. He had decided to leave the club before Arteta was appointed but was convinced to stay and played all-but one Premier League game last season, scoring seven goals from midfield, including two on the final day of the campaign. Speaking about Xhaka, Arteta enthused about the midfielder, saying: “We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us. “It has been an incredible journey together for him and he has given absolutely everything for this club. The influence Granit has had on his team-mates on the pitch and colleagues at the club, will tell you just how popular he is. “We cannot thank Granit enough for his service and contribution to this club over the years. We wish Granit and his family all the best in the next step of their lives.” We are saying goodbye to a fantastic player and person loved by all of us Mikel Arteta Xhaka himself is now ready for the start of the next leg of his career, returning to the Bundesliga where he represented Borussia Monchengladbach before joining Arsenal in 2016. “I know the league inside out and I watched it when I was in London,” he told Leverkusen’s official website. “Bayer 04 is a club with an impressive history and ambitious targets. Above all, I see it as a club with a great future. Discussions with the management have been incredibly motivating. Everybody here is ambitious and wants to achieve something – I’m very much looking forward to the next few years.” While Xhaka leaves Arsenal after helping them to finish second in the Premier League last season, winger Reiss Nelson has committed his future to the club by signing a new deal. The 23-year-old insisted he did not want to miss Arsenal going to the “next level” as he signed a four-year deal, with a one-year option. Nelson came through ranks with the Gunners but his previous contract had expired having made eight substitute league appearances, scoring a memorable last-gasp goal that saw Arsenal come from two down to beat Bournemouth 3-2. Arteta’s side ultimately fell short in their title bid as Manchester City pipped them to the crown, but Nelson saw enough to believe there is more to come. “I’m kind of lost for words, if I’m honest,” Nelson told the club’s official website upon signing his deal. “I’ve been here since I was eight, I’m 23 now. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’m just so happy. I’ve been here the good years and bad years, and last year especially. “I’ve seen the rise that Arsenal have taken. Taking them to new heights and I feel like I want to be part of the journey. It was a train I really didn't want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I'm glad that I made the right decision Reiss Nelson “I want to be part of us going to the next level, which I think the boss, Edu, the backroom staff and the new players and the current players are making. “So it was a train I really didn’t want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I’m glad that I made the right decision.” On a busy day for Arsenal, the club also announced Steve Round had left his position on the backroom staff. Round was appointed as an assistant to Arteta when the Spaniard first took the reins in December 2019 having previously filled similar roles at Everton and Manchester United. Technical director Edu informed staff on Thursday, with Round’s exit a mutual agreement with the club. Arteta and Edu are currently plotting for Arsenal to go one better than last season, with movement in the transfer market well under way. Kai Havertz has already joined from Chelsea while a club-record fee has been agreed with West Ham for Declan Rice, who will undergo a medical on Friday. Ajax full-back Jurrien Timber is the next who could come through the door as Arsenal prepare for a club-record transfer window outlay.

Reiss Nelson did not want to miss Arsenal going to the “next level” as he signed a new four-year deal at the Emirates Stadium. The 23-year-old came through the ranks with the Gunners but his previous contract had expired before he agreed new terms, which include a one-year option. Nelson made eight substitute appearances in the Premier League last season and scored a memorable last-gasp goal that saw the Gunners come from 2-0 down to beat Bournemouth 3-2. Mikel Arteta’s side ultimately fell short in their title bid as Manchester City pipped them to the crown, but Nelson saw enough to believe there is more to come. “I’m kind of lost for words, if I’m honest,” Nelson told the club’s official website upon signing his deal. “I’ve been here since I was eight, I’m 23 now. It’s been a hell of a journey, and I’m just so happy. I’ve been here the good years and bad years, and last year especially. “I’ve seen the rise that Arsenal have taken. Taking them to new heights and I feel like I want to be part of the journey. It was a train I really didn't want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I'm glad that I made the right decision Reiss Nelson “I want to be part of us going to the next level, which I think the boss, Edu, the backroom staff and the new players and the current players are making. “So it was a train I really didn’t want to miss and I want to be here for it, so I’m glad that I made the right decision.” The former England Under-21 international also hit a brace in a 5-0 win over Nottingham Forest as he played a bit part in Arsenal’s forlorn title bid. “Reiss is a player I have admired since the first day I was here,” said Arteta. “He has tremendous ability and is such an exciting offensive talent. Reiss knows how important he is to our squad with the quality he has. “It’s great that Reiss has committed his future to us – he knows this club so well, he grew up here and we look forward to enjoying many more good moments with him.” While Nelson has extended his stay at the Emirates, Arsenal announced Steve Round has left his position on the backroom staff. Round was appointed as an assistant to Arteta when the Spaniard first took the reins in December 2019 having previously filled similar roles at Everton and Manchester United. Technical director Edu informed staff on Thursday, with Round’s exit a mutual agreement with the club. Arteta and Edu are currently plotting for Arsenal to go one better than last season, where they finished runners-up to champions Manchester City. Kai Havertz has already joined from Chelsea while a club-record fee has been agreed with West Ham for Declan Rice, who will undergo a medical on Friday. Ajax full-back Jurrien Timber is the next who could come through the door as Arsenal prepare for a club-record transfer window outlay. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Katie Boulter reaches third round at Wimbledon for the second straight year Anthony Joshua to face Dillian Whyte in rematch at The O2 on August 12 I don’t really stand a chance – Stan Wawrinka on facing Novak Djokovic

The FA Cup will be “forever diminished” if a deal is done with the Premier League over the sale of the competition’s overseas rights, according to a member of the Culture, Media and Sport parliamentary committee. The PA news agency understands the Football Association is considering a long-term arrangement where the Premier League sells the international rights to the FA Cup bundled alongside its own rights, with a view to a collective deal netting more money for both parties. Labour MP Clive Efford, who sits on the CMS committee which took evidence from the FA and the Premier League on football regulation in March, believes such a deal would place undue control over the FA Cup in the Premier League’s hands. “The Premier League has shown its contempt for the FA Cup in the past,” Efford told the PA news agency. “Why would anyone who has any concern about the future of the FA Cup put the Premier League in charge of it? “(The FA Cup) is not a competition that (Premier League clubs) value. They prefer the Premier League, the Champions League, that’s what it boils down to. The FA Cup will be forever diminished. I think this is a big issue - it’s the death knell of the FA Cup and the status of the FA Cup. Clive Efford MP “We (the CMS committee) can ask football to come in and talk to us about it, if we choose to do it. “I think this is a big issue – it’s the death knell of the FA Cup and the status of the FA Cup.” The Premier League, FA and EFL have been in separate dialogue over a ‘New Deal For Football’ over the last 18 months which has included talks on the football calendar. Within that, the possibility of scrapping FA Cup replays amid the expansion of UEFA’s club competitions from the 2024-25 season is understood to be under discussion. The Premier League and the FA have not commented on the tender process. PA understands the process will run until July 17. The Infront Sports and Media agency said in a statement issued earlier this week it had been selected as the preferred bidder for a portion of the overseas FA Cup rights in early May following the original tender process, but was told by the FA negotiations were being paused because of a third-party offer it had to assess. Infront said it was considering its legal options and that the FA’s actions “set a dangerous precedent for future tender processes in the industry”. Efford added: “The FA has to act in the interests of the wider football pyramid and whatever it thinks it might get in the short term in terms of a contract for the coverage of the FA Cup, we’re putting the future status of the competition in the hands of people who’ve shown in the past that they find it a burden on their time. “(The FA) are just completely in the thrall of the Premier League and I don’t think that’s good for the long-term future the game.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Clare Connor recalls ‘fairytale’ creation of Women’s Ashes trophy 25 years ago Chelsea not willing to listen to offers for Levi Colwill amid continued interest British wild card Jan Choinski determined to return to Wimbledon

Levi Colwill will not be leaving Chelsea this summer in spite of continued interest from Liverpool and Brighton, the PA news agency understands. The club are not willing to entertain offers for the 20-year-old defender, who starred for England Under-21s as they beat Israel 3-0 on Wednesday to advance to the European Championship final in Georgia. He is currently contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2024 with an option of another year if certain criteria are met. Colwill spent last season on loan at Brighton where he made 22 appearances and established himself as a Premier League player as the Seagulls qualified for Europe. Brighton had been keen to sign the defender permanently, but PA understands Chelsea are not prepared to listen to offers, including from Jurgen Klopp’s side who reportedly made a fresh enquiry this week. It is also understood that Christian Pulisic’s proposed move to AC Milan is yet to be agreed with the two clubs still apart with their valuation of the player. The United States international is surplus to requirements under Mauricio Pochettino and has also been the subject of interest from Ligue 1 side Lyon. The French side have offered something closer to Chelsea’s valuation but it is believed the 24-year-old favours a move to San Siro. The club confirmed on Thursday that Cesar Azpilicueta has ended his 11-year stay in west London – with the 33-year-old reportedly having agreed a return to Spain to join Atletico Madrid. It means one of Pochettino’s first tasks as manager will be to appoint a new captain, with regular stand-in from last season Mateo Kovacic having been sold to Manchester City. Azpilicueta made more than 500 appearances for the club since joining from Marseille in 2012 and established himself as a favourite at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League in 2015 and 2017 as well as leading the side to victory in the Champions League in 2021. An FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League winner, he appeared in a club-record 13 major cup finals. Co-controlling owner Todd Boehly told the club’s website: “Coaches and team-mates past and present have trusted (Azpilicueta) to lead by example as captain. “He has done so immaculately on and off the pitch, something for which we are grateful.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Clare Connor recalls ‘fairytale’ creation of Women’s Ashes trophy 25 years ago British wild card Jan Choinski determined to return to Wimbledon Stan Wawrinka sets up Novak Djokovic clash in Wimbledon third round

England Under-21s are in Saturday’s Euro 2023 final against Spain as they look to win the tournament for the first time in 39 years. The Young Lions beat Israel in Wednesday’s semi-final to reach their first final since 2009. Here the PA news agency looks at some of the focal points ahead of the final. History makers It has been 39 years since the Under-21s last won the European Championship. Then, it was back-to-back victories in 1982 and 1984 but the drought has not ended since. A 4-0 final thumping by Germany in 2009 is the closest they have got. Lee Carsley’s side can make history in Batumi on Saturday. Unbeatable England England go into the final having scored 10 and conceded none. They have not been troubled at the back with James Trafford, close to a £15million switch to Burnley from Manchester City, unbeaten. The final is a different matter and Spain will provide a sterner test on Saturday. They have scored 50 goals across qualifying and the tournament after thumping Ukraine 5-1 in their semi-final, but there will be a confidence and belief among the squad they can remain unbroken. A long season For most, including semi-final scorers Morgan Gibbs-White and Cole Palmer, their season started over 330 days ago. The new Premier League campaign is just five weeks away and while the squad did manage to get a break before linking up they will be tired, both mentally and physically. It all adds to the debate about player welfare and how much football players can manage. A balanced squad For a long time now the squad has seemed more than the sum of its parts. Previous Under-21 campaigns have ended with disappointment with teams containing Phil Foden, James Maddison, Jordan Pickford, Tammy Abraham and Harry Kane. This class have gelled and, while they are all talented players, they have arguably gone under the radar compared to their predecessors. Spain’s dangerman England will have to stop Braga’s Abel Ruiz, who will be out for revenge having lost the Under-17 World Cup final to the Young Lions in 2017. The striker has three goals and two assists for Spain in the tournament and scored the Euros’ fastest-ever strike when he netted after 20 seconds against Croatia. The 23-year-old also has two senior caps and came through the ranks at Barcelona before a 2020 move to Braga. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Fiery Mark Wood and Stuart Broad give England flying start to must-win Test Jan Choinski’s Wimbledon run ended by former doubles partner Hubert Hurkacz Mark Wood delivers one of the fastest Test spells recorded in England

Netherlands midfielder Jill Roord has returned to the Women’s Super League with a move to Manchester City, the club have announced. The 26-year-old, who was with Arsenal from 2019 to 2021, joins City from Champions League runners-up Wolfsburg on a three-year deal. The PA news agency understands City have paid a club-record fee in excess of £300,000 to sign Roord, scorer of 31 goals in 69 appearances across all competitions for Wolfsburg. She has played 86 times for her country, helping them win Euro 2017 on home soil and finish as runners-up at the 2019 World Cup in France. Roord, part of the Netherlands squad for this summer’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement from City: “I’m very happy and it’s a very proud feeling for me to sign for Manchester City. “I have always thought that this was a fantastic club with lots of quality, and I’m super excited to start here. “I really like the way that they play, and I feel that it suits me perfectly. There’s a lot of quality in the team, and it’s a young side with plenty of potential which is very important to me. “I’ve always thought that the Women’s Super League is very competitive, so playing in England again is like a dream – I feel like I have developed a lot as a player during my time in Germany. “In my conversations with Gareth (Taylor, the City manager), I heard everything that I wanted to hear – we think the same way about football which is important, and where he sees me in the team was ideal – it is the perfect fit. “If you play for City, you compete for everything you are involved in and that is what we will be aiming to do – with the quality we have here, anything is possible so I hope that we will be very successful together.” Taylor said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to secure Jill’s signature and bring her to the club. “She has proven her worth in both England and Europe during her career so far, alongside on the international stage with the Netherlands – she is no stranger to success. “She is a player whose calibre speaks for itself with what she has achieved, and we believe she will be a fantastic addition to our squad here at City. “We’re looking forward to welcoming her aboard and working with her over the next three years.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live David Warner’s frustration at the hands of Stuart Broad continues at Headingley Mason Mount says it was clear ‘several months ago’ he was not in Chelsea’s plans Ellen White tips ‘proven winner’ Sarina Wiegman to lead England to further glory