Who might be on move in January in WSL?

The Women’s Super League transfer window opens on Friday – so what deals might happen?

The club is looking high and low for players who can help them finish the season at a high level.

Manchester City look to end Chelsea’s six-year stranglehold on the title, with Manchester United reaching the knockout stages of the Women’s Champions League for the first time, while Liverpool are still seeking their first win in the Women’s Super League this season.

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With two management changes confirmed in December and the contracts of some big names expiring this summer, January is likely to be busy.

Renew contracts and generate interest

Some of the biggest deals completed this month may be contract extensions for some big-name players.

England’s Georgia Stanway, 26, is attracting a lot of interest and Arsenal are among the teams that have held talks with the midfielder. Her contract at Bayern Munich ends this summer, and while there are offers to extend it, she could sign a pre-contract agreement in January to join another club in the summer.

Another England midfielder, Ella Toone, has a contract with Manchester United that expires in July. She could start talks with other clubs outside the WSL this month.

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Manchester City’s top scorer Khadija Shaw, 28, has been in active discussions over a contract extension, which is a priority for the club.

European champions Arsenal are hoping to keep hold of United States international Emily Fox, who joins Katie McCabe, Kim Little and Stina Blackstanius on a contract that expires in the summer.

Chelsea will also hold talks over senior players Sam Kerr, Milly Bright and Lucy Bronze who have just six months left on their contracts.

Aston Villa captain Rachel Daly’s contract is also set to expire this summer, but will the club offer the 34-year-old a new deal?

It was reported on January 5 that 27-year-old Everton striker Kelly Gago has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but with a price tag of £500,000, can the Toffees keep her?

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All eyes are on U.S. forward Trinity Rodman, who could move from the Washington Spirit depending on the outcome of salary negotiations with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

Chelsea are among those monitoring Rodman’s situation, while Japanese midfielder Asaka Hamano could leave the Blues to join Tottenham Hotspur on loan. U.S. forward Catarina Macario is also interested in the NWSL, while German midfielder Sjoeke Nusken may seek more game time elsewhere.

Reports suggest West Ham United may have to fend off interest in England defender Anouk Denton, with Amber Tysiak previously attracting suitors in the summer.

What does the club need?

arsenalThe team’s biggest decision is whether to extend head coach Renee Slegers’ contract, which expires this summer. They also need a goalkeeper and have been chasing Hammarby defender Smilla Holmberg.

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aston villa Hope to bring in a Japan international, but may remain silent due to good business in the summer.

but brighton The hope is that there will be an active search for a replacement for injured England striker Michel Agyeman as well as further midfield options.

at the same time, chelsea Always willing to spend big, like Rodman, they will focus on offensive options. They could also add defensive depth.

everton It’s been a busy summer but the bosses have shown they’re happy to spend money if they want to add to the squad, so they’re likely to be on the lookout for new players.

Leicester CityHead coach Rick Passmore has made it clear that the team’s goal is to bring in experienced WSL players. Centre-back is a priority position and they are looking for full-backs.

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Elsewhere in liverpoolthey are expected to be very active in order to escape from the bottom of the rankings. With funds secured from the £1m sale of Olivia Smith in the summer, Gareth Taylor will be looking to bring in a roster of players to bolster a thin squad. A full-back is already under consideration and they have been linked with winger Alice Bergström from BK Hacken.

It will be interesting to see how active london city lionesses yes. They fired manager Jocelyn Precheur last month but have the support of wealthy businesswoman Michele Kang, who is not afraid to spend big money. Their targets are the best young players.

Manchester CityThe most important thing will be agreeing a contract extension for Shaw, but they are also likely to add a few players to help them push the boundaries in their title challenge.

opponent Manchester United They are busy confirming two signings and are looking to add more players. As reported by BBC Sport last month, the midfielder has been a target for some time. They are tracking several big-name players at that position.

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tottenham hotspur There was also a strong start to the window, with three new additions confirmed. They also hope to sign Hanano on loan from Chelsea.

west ham unitedNew head coach Rita Guarino hopes to bring in some new players and may set her sights on Italy, where she has extensive market experience and extensive connections.

What transactions have occurred?

It’s been a busy start for Manchester United, who have already signed two players, with the arrival of German striker Leah Schuler and Swedish defender Hanna Lundkvist.

Japanese midfielder Hyuga Miyazawa has signed a new long-term contract keeping her at Manchester United until 2029.

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City have also signed new contracts with captain Alex Greenwood, defender Kirsten Caspari and centre-back Rebecca Knack.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur announced in November that they had signed Norwegian midfielder Signe Gaupset from SK Brann. They also added defenders Hanna Wijk and Matilda Nilden from BK Hacken.

The 21-year-old Swedish youth international Nielden has signed a long-term contract with Tottenham and will wear the No. 14 jersey.

Ben Haynes, Ellen White and Jane Beattie return to the Women’s Football Weekly Podcast. New episodes air every Tuesday on BBC Sounds, plus you can watch them on Women’s Football Weekly Updates