Newcastle United Women complete Ashanti Akpan signing from Chelsea Women | OneFootball

The midfielder joins the club from the Barclays Women's Super League (WSL) side on a permanent deal, having spent the first half of the season on loan at Southampton Women.

Akpan's move to the Magpies brings to an end a 12-year spell with the Blues having been with them since the age of seven.

She made her first team debut for Chelsea aged 17, coming on a substitute in the Women's FA Cup against Reading Women and she subsequently signed her first professional contract later that year.

Akpan has experience playing in the WSL2 for Birmingham City Women last season, and the Saints for the first part of this season, making 15 appearances.

At international level, she has represented England through the youth age groups up to under-23s level.

On joining the Magpies, Akpan said: "I'm happy to be joining and I can't wait to get started. I want to help this team to get promoted into the WSL.

"I've gained experience in this league, and I am excited to bring everything I've learnt into Newcastle now."

Manager Tanya Oxtoby said: "Ashanti is a high-potential player who has gained good experience at this level in the last couple of seasons, and has international experience under her belt.

"She breaks up play well in the midfield, while also helping the team build the game through the thirds. Ashanti is a great character and will add to our culture, so we are really pleased to add her to our squad."

This signing is subject to FA clearance.