Women's Super League

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Former England international Rachel Daly has signed a new two-year contract with Aston Villa.

The 33-year-old has scored 59 goals in more than 80 appearances for the club, captaining the side on several occasions.

She scored 22 goals in the 2022-23 campaign, winning the Golden Boot and equalling Vivianne Miedema's record for the most goals scored in a single Women's Super League season.

She was also named the WSL Player of the Season for her goalscoring heroics as Villa finished a club record fifth in the table.

Daly retired from international football in April 2024, after starting every game in England's Euro 2022 success and helping them reach the 2023 Women's World Cup final.

Image source, Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham striker Martha Thomas has signed a new contract with the club until 2028.

The Scotland international has made 53 appearances for Spurs in all competitions since ing from Manchester United in September 2023.

The 28-year-old has scored 11 goals for the club, including seven in the Women's Super League.

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London City Lionesses have been fined £15,000 for approaching a Southampton player without the club's permission.

The player was ed on social media and asked for the details of her agent.

A statement from the FA read: "It was alleged that London City Lionesses approached a player with a view to inducing them to leave Southampton without written prior permission of the club."

The club itted the charge and did not ask for a personal hearing.

Image source, Inpho

Republic of Ireland manager Carla Ward has revealed she turned down an offer to manage a Women's Super League club "a few weeks ago" and has reiterated her full commitment to her present role.

Ward succeeded Eileen Gleeson as Republic manager in January and has been at the helm for four Nations League matches to date, three wins and a heavy 4-0 defeat by Slovenia.

The primary focus for the 41-year-old however is qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, which begins in February.

Ward formerly managed Sheffield United, Birmingham City and Aston Villa in her native country, but stepped down as Villa boss a year ago.

"I'll tell you one thing. I was offered a WSL job a few weeks ago and I turned it down because I am loving what I am doing," said Ward after naming her squad for the forthcoming Nations League games against Turkey and Slovenia.

"Listen, I really wanted the Ireland job. I turned down two other countries that offered me the job whilst I was in the interview process for Ireland because I wholeheartedly wanted to manage this country. So when I say I am in, I am in.

"I am talking long term to the board, not just around the next two games, but how we develop the League of Ireland - we've spoken a lot about that - so there is a bigger picture here. I have loved being here. There have been some challenges of course, but I love being here. I am proud to represent this country."

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Arsenal midfielder Frida Maanum has signed a new contract with the club.

The Norway international ed the Gunners from Sweden's Linkoping FC in July 2021 and has gone on to make 150 appearances, scoring 40 goals.

"I love playing for this club, everything about it – the ers, the community, playing at Emirates Stadium," Maanum said. "Seeing how the club has developed over the last few years only makes me more excited to continue my journey here.

"We've had such special moments this season and getting to share those with our ers has been amazing, I'm looking forward to continuing celebrating with them and giving everything for this team."

Renee Slegers added: "I'm delighted that Frida has signed a new contract here with us. She's such an important player in the group and has made a big contribution to what we've achieved as a group during my time as head coach. I know Frida has the ambition and drive to continue striving for improvement as we continue to aim to compete for the highest honours together."

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Tottenham forward Lenna Gunning-Williams has signed a new contract until 2028.

The 20-year-old academy graduate has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season, including 12 in the Women's Super League.

She also earned her first England Under-23s call-up in October and was nominated for the WSL young player of the year award.

Gunning-Williams spent last season on loan at third-tier Ipswich, where she scored 14 goals in 26 games.