Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Anita Asante has signed for newly-promoted Women’s Super League side Aston Villa.

The 35 year-old is a vastly experienced centre-back who has won everything at club level as well as being capped 70 times for England.

And she joins an Aston Villa side who went the whole of the shortened 2019/20 campaign unbeaten, dropping just two points on their way to the Women’s Championship title.

Speaking about joining the club, Asante said: "Can’t even describe how excited I am to be part of @AVWFCOfficial A club with great ambition and people I’m excited to work with!"

Villa’s manager Gemma Davies added: "Anita will be joining us from Chelsea Women with an already tremendous amount of experience in the FA Women’s Super League, having also represented England at major tournaments.

"Anita’s on-ball ability lends itself superbly to that of a modern-day centre-half – happy to play in tight spaces, play under pressure and creative passes between lines.

"This is what a centre-half at Aston Villa looks like. But it’s her character and desire to be the best that sets her apart.

"We are all really looking forward to welcoming Anita at Bodymoor Heath for the start of pre-season."

The 2020/21 WSL season is pencilled in to begin on the weekend of September 5-6, although no date has yet been confirmed.