Liverpool win the race to sign Irish international midfielder Niamh Fahey

Republic of Ireland international midfielder Niamh Fahey has signed for Liverpool after leaving French side Bordeaux.

The Galway native joins the Reds from the French Division 1 Féminine side, having also previously played in England with Arsenal and Chelsea.

"I am absolutely delighted to be returning to the WSL and playing for a club as big as Liverpool Ladies," Fahey told the club’s website.

"I am a huge Liverpool FC fan so I cannot wait to pull on the red shirt for the first time.

"I really enjoyed my time in France with Bordeaux but felt as though the time had come to return to the WSL and experience a new challenge.

“Having spoken to Neil [Redfearn, manager] and listened to the club's ambitions, I am really confident that we will have a successful season."

The 30-year-old has a long list of honours to her name including helping Arsenal to a domestic treble in 2009 and a domestic double with Chelsea in 2015.

Redfearn said: "This is a really important signing for the club as Niamh is a top-class footballer.

"She has won a number of trophies during her spells with Arsenal Women and Chelsea Women so her experience will be vital for us this season.

"A number of other clubs tried to sign Niamh so we are delighted that she has decided that Liverpool Ladies would be the right club and I am really looking forward to working alongside her."