London City sign goalkeeper Poor on permanent deal

Newly promoted Women's Super League side London City Lionesses have signed goalkeeper Sophia Poor on a permanent transfer.

The 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season at Lionesses on loan from Aston Villa, has now joined on a full-time basis.

Poor made 12 starts for Lionesses after joining in January, helping them earn promotion to the WSL for the first time.

The teenager, who has earned England caps at under-17 and under-19 levels, will now aim to help Lionesses avoid being the third successive newly promoted side to suffer immediate relegation back to the second tier.

Lionesses manager Jocelyn Precheur told the club website, external: "As a goalkeeper, Sophia has probably the biggest potential I have ever seen.

"I really wanted to keep developing her because she has everything to become the best English goalkeeper in a few years. I really believe in her and I am grateful that she trusts us."

Poor is the seventh player to join Lionesses this summer as they prepare for their WSL debut.

Netherlands international midfielder Danielle van de Donk is the most eye-catching arrival, while Finnish striker Sanni Franssi, Dutch defender Isa Kardinaal, English defenders Teyah Goldie and Poppy Pattinson, and Spanish goalkeeper Elene Lete have also joined.