LIVERPOOL completed their first signing of the summer yesterday, bringing in Millwall Lionesses defender Leighanne Robe.

Robe came through the youth ranks at Arsenal before joining Watford in 2014.

Two years at Watford was followed by a move to Millwall in 2016, where she helped guide the team to a third-placed finish in the Women’s Super League 2 last season.

New manager Neil Redfearn quickly earmarked Robe as a player to strengthen the squad after an exodus of 10 players, including top-scorer Beth England, who is likely to return to parent club Chelsea, and Casey Stoney’s retirement midway through last season.

Robe admitted that it was Redfearn’s plans for the future which persuaded her to move clubs and that she can’t wait to compete for, and win, trophies.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the club and I’m really looking forward to working alongside Neil. It is a massive opportunity to make the step up to WSL1 and I am really excited for the new season.

“Although this is a transition period for the club, Neil has some exciting plans for the future and I have no doubt that we will have a successful season next year. This is a huge club which should be competing for trophies on a regular basis and having spoken to Neil that is definitely the aim of the club.

Redfearn added: “I am delighted to have secured the signature of Leighanne as she is a quality defender who is also a real leader. Leighanne is a tough tackling defender who is equally comfortable playing at full back so gives us more options in defence.

“I know that a few other clubs in FA WSL1 were looking at signing Leighanne so we are delighted that she has put confidence in our plans for the future and chosen to join Liverpool Ladies.”