Aston Villa confirm exit as star leaves for rivals

Villa Women have confirmed the sale of player of the season Kirsty Hanson to Tottenham.

The Scotland international has joined their Women’s Super League rivals for an undisclosed fee following the most successful campaign of her career.

Hanson scored 12 goals in 22 appearances for Villa and won the WSL’s goal of the season award for her strike in a 2-0 win at West Ham.

The 28-year-old leaves after spending the last four seasons at Villa, the first of those on loan from Manchester United.

“I'm ready for a new challenge, and I'm always wanting to be better every single day,” said Hanson, after the move was confirmed.

Tottenham finished fifth in last season’s WSL, four places ahead of Villa.

Another Scotland international, Mia McAulay, has joined Villa from Rangers.

The 19-year-old has already clocked up more than 100 senior appearances and made her international debut last year.

“Mia is an exciting young attacking player with lots of potential,” said Villa’s director of women’s football, Marisa Ewers.

“She is part of what we are looking to build at this club in the long term.”