Chelsea signs Manchester United forward Lauren James in landmark Women's Super League deal

James previously had a stint with the youth academy of Women's Super League champion Chelsea.

FILE PHOTO: Lauren James in action Manchester United against West Ham United at Old Trafford, Manchester. James had helped United achieve promotion to the WSL in the 2018-19 season.

Chelsea has signed forward Lauren James on a four-year deal from Manchester United, the Women's Super League (WSL) champions said on Friday.

British media reported that the deal, worth £200,000 ($275,220) with bonuses, is the biggest between WSL clubs.

The initial fee is around £70,000 ($96,327). The 19-year-old was part of the United team that finished fourth in the league under manager Casey Stoney last season.

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She is also the younger sister of England men and Chelsea right back Reece James.

After a stint in the Chelsea youth academy, James made her debut for Arsenal aged 16 in October 2017.

She switched to Manchester United a year later, where she helped the team achieve promotion to the WSL in the 2018-19 season.

"It's a great feeling to come back home, to a great club, the club I started at the age of six... I'm excited to get started and I can't wait to meet all the fans at Kingsmeadow when the new season kicks in," she said.

James has represented England at Under-17 and Under-19 level and received her first senior call-up as part of a training camp in November.

Chelsea will travel to Arsenal for its season opener on September 5.