Everton Women have completed the permanent signing of forward Claire Emslie from American outfit Orlando Pride.
Emslie has penned an 18-month deal after initially joining on loan during the summer.
The 26-year-old was named Women's Super League [WSL] player of the month for October but missed the festive period through injury.
She will return after the winter break and manager Willie Kirk - who worked with Emslie at Bristol City and Hibernian - declared the deal a 'key signing' for the long-term vision at Everton.
Kirk said: “Making Claire's stay at the club permanent is a really important signing for us.
“It is no secret that I've signed her a number of times, which proves my trust in her.
“She is a very, very hard worker, is two-footed, creative and versatile enough to be able to play anywhere across the front three.
“She immediately made a big impact on and off the pitch on her arrival and, despite that impact being curtailed slightly due to a frustrating injury, I have no doubt she will prove to be key signing for us in the long-term.”
Everton Women are fifth in the WSL after nine matches played with the top-three securing Champions League qualification.
They were beaten finalists to Manchester City in the rescheduled FA Cup final last month.
