SOUTHAMPTON FC Women have confirmed the signing of defender Izzy Milne from Chelsea's academy.

Making her way through the Chelsea FC academy from U12s to U18s, Milne was part of the successful Blues side that most recently won the WSL Academy League Cup, starting every game for the U18s in the 2022-23 season.

Having been offered a scholarship to join Michigan State University, Milne opted to stay in the UK after impressing on trial for Marieanne Spacey-Cale’s side this summer.

As well as her successes within Chelsea's academy set-up, Milne has also been involved with the Young Lionesses, playing alongside Meg Collett and Lucia Kendall in the latest Under-18s camps.

On coming into the Saints side, Milne commented: “I’m really excited to be here!

“It’s a really ambitious club, looking to make it up to that next level and as a young player coming into that environment, it’ll be great for my development.

“There’s a mix of younger and experienced players here, which shows that there’s a pathway, which is important for me too.”