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The local attacker scored England's first goal at the 2015 World Cup and was the only representative of the FA Women's Super League second-tier, which Reading lead on goal difference over Doncaster Belles. However, Chelsea ladies lead the top flight, WSL1, and boast an array of international talent in their squad.
News of Reading accepting the bid arrived earlier from BBC Sport, the size of the fee is now known to be a British record for a female footballer; the contract will run for three-and-a-half years. The club have confirmed it will be re-invested in the women's team. As a guide of personal terms, the highest paid player in English women's football is Lionesses' captain Steph Houghton on £65,000 per year, while the highest in the world is the USA's Alex Morgan on £1.9m annually.
Kirby, who was the top scorer in WSL2 last season, is contracted at Reading until 2018; the first professional player to have ever played for the Royals, having come through the academy in Berkshire. TTE's resident women's football expert Emma charted the 22-year-old's rise just last week. If you had any doubt over her skill, here's a lovely chip from last season's win over Yeovil Ladies.