Everton are set to sign Manchester United midfielders Hayley Ladd on a permanent deal and Emma Watson on loan until the end of the season.
Ladd, who has completed her medical, wanted more game time ahead of this summer’s European Championship, which will be Wales’ first major tournament. She is set to sign an 18-month contract at Everton with the option of a further year.
The Athletic reported last month the 31-year-old was looking to leave in January, with United willing to listen to the player’s wishes if appropriate offers were made. Her United contract was due to expire at the end of the season and Everton have paid an undisclosed transfer fee to sign her this month.
The Wales international, who joined the club in 2019 from Birmingham City where she worked under manager Marc Skinner, has played only eight league minutes this season and started three League Cup matches.
Ladd leaves United with over 100 appearances to her name and a 2024 FA Cup winner’s medal.
Watson will also be joining Ladd at Everton on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign. The highly-rated 18-year-old signed her first professional contract when she joined United from Rangers in 2023.
Watson featured for United against Everton in November (Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
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