Women's Super League

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Tottenham are pursuing BK Hacken duo Matilda Nilden and Hanna Wijk in the January transfer window.

Martin Ho's side have made a strong start to the season with six wins from their opening 11 matches, sitting fifth in the table as a result.

Defender Wijk, 22, has not signed a contract extension with Swedish club Hacken and her current deal is due to expire at the end of this year.

The 21-year-old forward Nilden is the sister of current Tottenham defender Amanda Nilden and her deal runs through until the end of the 2026 season in Sweden.

Tottenham are also hopeful of bringing in Japan international Maika Hamano, 21, on loan from Chelsea.

The transfer window opens on Friday, 2 January.

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Tottenham are hopeful of bringing in Japan international Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea in January.

The forward, who is under contract with Chelsea until 2029, is seen as a player with high potential having made 26 appearances for the national team.

The 21-year-old has had interest from several clubs as she seeks regular game time ahead of March’s Asian Cup.

However, Tottenham have emerged as the frontrunners and are in a strong position to strike a deal when the transfer window opens on Friday, 2 January.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Brian Sorensen says the start to the season has been "tough" but he is hopeful of going into the winter break in a better position.

The Toffees went eight Women's Super League games without a win before ending Chelsea's long unbeaten run last weekend to claim a crucial three points.

"It was good for confidence and with the slow start we had to the season, it's been quite tough," said Sorensen.

"We had to change things around so many times but now it feels like we have some consistency that paid off. The girls were excellent and they didn't want to lose that game so it was good."

On Saturday they host Arsenal at Goodison Park (12:00 GMT) and Sorensen is hoping to cause another upset.

"If we can do the same against Arsenal, we can put ourselves into a good position and get ready for the spring.

"There's been a lot of different things of adversity here and there have also been times when we've not been good enough on the pitch, of course, but a lot of times where we stick together and get through it.

"Hopefully it gets a bit better. I'm positive going into the Arsenal game."

Emma Sanders
BBC Sport women’s football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Manchester City defender Rebecca Knaak has signed a contract extension which ties her to the club until 2028.

The German international has scored five goals in 16 appearances since joining from FC Rosengard on an initial 18-month deal in January.

Knaak has started the past three Women's Super League matches for City in the absence of injured England defender Alex Greenwood.

The 29-year-old has had an impressive campaign and scored her third goal in as many Manchester derby matches against United last month.

She also made her international debut in February and was part of the Germany squad who came runners-up in this year's Women's Nations League.

"It's the club I love and the club I want to be successful at," said Knaak.

"I have so much unfinished business to be done. It feels like home to me now and I feel this is where I belong and I'm meant to be."

Ciara Fleming
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Rehanne Skinner has welcomed the arrival of the Women's Super League winter break, saying it is "healthy to get away from it sometimes", ahead of West Ham's crunch match at the bottom of the table against Liverpool on Sunday.

"The break is often a good thing," said Skinner in her pre-match press conference. "We responded brilliantly after the break in October and the spell between was really positive.

"Then we had another international break and we played well against (Manchester) United, came back from a goal behind, gave a good account of ourselves."

The Hammers currently sit 11th on four points, having struggled in the first half of 2025-26.

They would slip to the foot of the table if Liverpool win their game in hand away at Aston Villa on Thursday evening.

Skinner added: "When you get those natural breaks it gives people a chance to remember there's other stuff as well, because football can be all consuming. A step back can often be a real positive."

Having won just one of their opening 10 games this season, West Ham will be looking to end the calendar year on a positive note against Liverpool.

"Being at home is a massive plus for us. We want to make sure we give our fans a home league win before the Christmas break.

"We have strong characters in the group who know how to get things done. So we just need to make sure that we turn up and do that."

Image source, Getty Images

Midfielder Drew Spence has signed a new long-term contract with Women's Super League club Tottenham.

The 33-year-old has made 75 appearances for the Lilywhites to date, scoring ten goals since joining from London neighbours Chelsea in 2022.

"I'm really happy. I feel so comfortable here at the Club and I can see where it's progressing to, and it shows in our results so far," said Spence.

"It feels like a family. The feeling amongst the girls is great and we're learning every day. It's been a massive six months for us, and we have to keep taking these steps."

The Jamaica international has been a mainstay for Tottenham under new boss Martin Ho this season, playing nine of the side's first 10 league games.

Spurs currently sit in fifth place on 19 points, just one point shy of the club's 2024-25 season tally after 11 fewer games.

Head coach Ho added: "What sets Drew apart is not just how she plays, but how she behaves. She leads by example every single day. Her work ethic is unwavering, her competitiveness is infectious, and her willingness to take responsibility has become a benchmark for others. "

"Her personality carries weight in this group, she brings experience, honesty and a calm authority that strengthens the entire environment."