Durham Women can confirm that Poppy Pritchard has joined Barclays Women’s Super League club Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.

The forward leaves Maiden Castle having made 22 senior appearances, scoring twice in the process.

Speaking about the move, Head of Football Lee Sanders said: “Since Poppy turned 18 we have been in discussions with her and her representatives regarding her future.

“However, there has been interest from the Super League and we were subsequently informed that Poppy wished to pursue the chance to make the step up.

“We were keen not to stand in Poppy’s way but the compensation rules in place meant we would have seen next to nothing in terms of a fee in the summer.

“We therefore have agreed to a transfer this month which makes more sense for the football club from a business perspective.”

Everyone at the club thanks Poppy for her contributions during her time at Durham, and wishes her well for the future.