Birmingham snap up Allen

Birmingham City LFC have strengthened for their UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal LFC in March with the signing of midfielder Remi Allen.

The 23-year-old leaves Lincoln LFC, who have now become Notts County LFC, having played for England from Under-15 to U23 level, and her arrival follows the departure to Chelsea LFC of captain Laura Bassett and forward Rachel Williams. Formerly with Leicester City LFC and Leeds United LFC, Allen was a 2009 UEFA European Women's U19 Championship winner along with new Birmingham colleagues Rebecca Spencer, Jade Moore, Izzy Christiansen, Chelsea Weston and Kerys Harrop as well as the likes of Jordan Nobbs, Toni Duggan and Lucy Bronze.

Birmingham manager David Parker, who has also secured England attacker Karen Carney on a new contract, said: "I'm delighted we have been able to secure a deal for Remi in what is a great coup for the club. Remi is a combative central midfielder who has been a shining light in Lincoln's side for the past three seasons and will add another dimension to the side next season.

"Often overlooked is her technical and goalscoring ability which gets less plaudits because of her aggressive style of play. What is also key when recruiting any player is their character and how they will fit into the group and with Remi it's a perfect fit for this football club both on and off the pitch."