Chelsea have agreed a transfer fee with Manchester United for England striker Lauren James.
The deal is worth up to £200,000 including bonuses and will be a record transfer between two Women’s Super League clubs.
Lauren, who is the younger sister of Chelsea and England defender, Reece James, has already undergone a medical at Stamford and personal terms are now being discussed.
One of the reasons behind the transfer is James’ desire to move back down south to be closer to her family. Her brother Reece plays for Chelsea’s men’s team.
James joined United from Arsenal in 2017 aged 16, becoming the second-youngest player in the side’s history.
She made an instant impact, scoring 14 goals as they won promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.
James also scored United’s first Women’s Super League goal, putting them on course to a 2-0 win over Liverpool in September 2019.
She helped secure a fourth-place finish in last season’s Women’s Super League, 10 points behind champions Chelsea.
James has represented England at U17 and U19 level and was called into a senior training camp in November.
Blues manager Emma Hayes was keen to add the pace, youth and quality of James to her squad, but she isn’t first person to leave the club this summer after Casey Stoney stepped down as manager at the end of last season after three years in charge.
Lauren James, born on September 29, 2001 is an English footballer who plays as a forward for FA WSL club, Manchester United.
She cited her father Nigel, a UEFA licensed football coach, as inspiration: “[He] has helped me every step of the way. I grew up playing football with my brothers and wanted to play like them; I have always loved the game. I am grateful to my Dad for all the time, effort and love that he has put into my football by coaching me in order that I reach the very best level.”
