WIRRAL footballer Niamh Charles has signed a new deal with Chelsea, keeping her at the club until the summer of 2027.

The 24-year-old joined the Blues from Liverpool in the summer of 2020 and has contributed to three Barclays Women’s Super League titles, three FA Cups, the Continental Tyres League Cup and also helped Chelsea reach the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.

Charles said: “I’m really happy and grateful. I’ve had a good few years here. I’ve developed a lot and I’m really looking forward to the future and what the next few years hold.”

Ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, Charles put pen to paper on a new deal until the summer of 2025, and after a hugely impressive start to the current season, the England international has now further committed her future to the Blues.

General manager Paul Green said: "Niamh’s performances have been outstanding and seen her go on to become a regular international starter in the last 12 months.

"We’re delighted with how she has developed and become a leader within the group. We look forward to seeing her continued growth in the upcoming years."

At international level, Charles was named in the England squad for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. She made her major tournament debut in the group-stage victory over China and was part of the Lionesses side which finished runners-up to Spain.