Newcastle United have signed Rachel McLauchlan, a 29-year-old Scotland defender, from Brighton for an undisclosed fee. She spent two seasons at the Women’s Super League club, making 51 appearances, and featured in the FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City this year.

McLauchlan brings a wealth of experience to WSL 2 side Newcastle, having won five Scottish Women’s Premier League titles and four Scottish Cups with Rangers, Glasgow City and Hibernian. She has also earned 35 caps 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,” she 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 added, “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.”