Sheffield United Women head coach Neil Redfearn says signing former England international and Team GB defender Sophie Bradley-Auckland a "statement of intent"

The 31-year-old centre-back represented her country at the 2011 World Cup and was selected for the Team GB squad at the London 2012 Olympics.

Bradley-Auckland most recently captained Liverpool Women but left the game last year to concentrate on work in her family-run care home in Nottingham during the coronavirus pandemic.

She has previously represented Leeds United and was part of the Lincoln City side at the start of the FA Women’s Super League era, as well as Neil Redfearn’s title-winning Doncaster Rovers Belles team in 2018.

“As soon as I spoke to Redders and he mentioned about coming here, I knew once I was back this is where I’d be coming,” said Bradley-Auckland.

“I’ve been following all the games, chomping at the bit to get back. It will be nice to be back around a team environment and I’m just ready and raring to go.”

Redfearn added: “Bradders is a massive signing for us. I had her at Doncaster Rovers Belles, I took her to Liverpool and she’s more than capable of playing in the level above.

“You look at her CV, played international football for England, for Team GB, she’s a really massive signing for us and a real statement of intent.”

Announcements on the futures of several of Sheffield United Women’s key players – including player of the year and top-scorer Katie Wilkinson – are expected soon.

The club has already confirmed young midfielder Tamara Wilcock has signed a new deal for next season.