Newcastle sign Scotland defender McLauchlan

Newcastle United have signed Scotland defender Rachel McLauchlan from Brighton for an undisclosed fee.

The 29-year-old spent two seasons at Women’s Super League (WSL) club Brighton and made 51 appearances.

She featured in the FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City this year and will bring a wealth of experience to WSL 2 side Newcastle.

McLauchlan won five Scottish Women’s Premier League titles and four Scottish Cups with Rangers, Glasgow City and Hibernian.

She has made 35 appearances for Scotland.

"I'm really excited to get started. I'm raring to go, it's a big opportunity and I'm looking forward to meeting everyone," McLauchlan said.

"I want to come here and help the team get promoted. [Manager] Tanya [Oxtoby] spoke so highly of what the club wants to do and that was a big motivation for me to come here."

Oxtoby said: "Rachel is an experienced player at both club and international level, and understands what it takes to compete for and win league titles.

"She is a brilliant defender that adds versatility to the full-back position, while also possessing the ability to provide effective support to the attack."