Chelsea sign USA's Thompson for club record fee

Women's Super League champions Chelsea have signed USA forward Alyssa Thompson for a club record fee.

The 20-year-old joins from Angel City on a five-year contract.

Chelsea sources say the fee is worth just under £1m.

"Chelsea is such an amazing club, one of the best in the world," Thompson said.

"Being able to play with players that are the best in the world is an amazing opportunity at such a young age, and I want to learn, grow and develop a lot.

"I feel like Chelsea is such an amazing environment to do that in."

Chelsea's previous transfer record was the £900,000 they paid for USA defender Naomi Girma from San Diego Wave in January.

Thompson has scored six goals in 16 National Women's Soccer League games this season. She has three goals in 22 games for the USA.

Chelsea striker Mayra Ramirez has been ruled out until January with a hamstring injury, while England forward Lauren James will miss the WSL season opener against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge at 19:30 BST on Friday.