Reading cash in on Kirby

Chelsea have paid a British record fee for England international Fran Kirby.Dubbed the 'Mini Messi', 22-year-old Kirby was one of the stars of England's successful Women's World Cup campaign and moves from Reading, where she has played since she was eight. In a statement, Reading said all the money would allow them to keep their team " progressing in their current manner". "It goes without saying that I'm very excited about moving to Chelsea, and I can't wait to get started at a new club," Kirby said. "But at the same time I am leaving behind so many memories at Reading."When I joined the club aged eight, I could never have imagined where it would take me. To have success with all my team-mates at Reading, played for England in the World Cup and now make this move, it's all a little bit surreal to be honest."Kirby has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract and will be available to face Bristol Academy this weekend.

Source: PA