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Hopefuls put Champions League plans in place

The new season is close and we hear from two Chelsea stars while rounding up transfer news from the likes of Liverpool, Bayern München, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.

Chelsea signing Fran Kirby is introduced at half-time of their win against Bristol
Chelsea signing Fran Kirby is introduced at half-time of their win against Bristol ©The FA via Getty Images

The UEFA Women's Champions League contenders are regrouping after the return of star players from the FIFA Women's World Cup and UEFA.com looks at the latest moves made by some of the teams entering straight into the round of 32.

Twenty-two sides are given byes to the knockout phase; the other ten clubs will be decided by the qualifying round from 11 to 16 August.

Chelsea
Interest in the FA Women's Super League has been boosted by England's third-placed World Cup finish and one of that squad, forward Fran Kirby, has sealed a move from second-division Reading to league leaders Chelsea. Kirby, who turned 22 last month, was described by England manager Mark Sampson – who has capped the striker nine times despite her never having played a top-flight game – as a "mini-Messi" after her goal in the 2-1 defeat of Mexico.

Emma Hayes, whose side make their European debut this term, chose not to give Kirby a debut in Sunday's 4-1 defeat of 2014/15 UEFA Women's Champions League quarter-finalists Bristol Academy, a result which left Chelsea five points clear at the halfway point of the FA WSL season, with a Wembley date to come on 1 August against Notts County in the FA Women's Cup final. After the Bristol match UEFA.com spoke to Chelsea goalscorer Gemma Davison and their Sweden goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl: click on the media players below to listen.