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England forward Rachel Daly 'open' to loan spell in Women's Super League

Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly  - USA TODAY
Houston Dash forward Rachel Daly - USA TODAY
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Rachel Daly, the England forward who captained Houston Dash to their first domestic title last month, has revealed she is “open” to a loan spell in the Women’s Super League.

Daly played an instrumental role last month in helping Dash win the Challenge Cup on July 26 as women’s football became the first elite team sport to resume in the US since the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Dash overcame Chicago Red Stars 2-0 in the final to win the one-off competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, with Harrogate-born Daly recording three goals and two assists in the month-long tournament.

That was enough for the 28-year-old to be awarded the Golden Boot, having already been named most valuable player for the standalone competition.

With America’s elite women’s league now facing an eight-month hiatus before returning in April 2021, Daly, who has 35 England caps, hinted at the possibility of linking up with a side in England’s WSL, which is set to begin the 2020-21 season on the weekend of September 5.

"There might be a loan opportunity for a few months until January. I can't not play for eight months," Daly told BBC Sport. "I'd be open to going anywhere and having a new experience.

"If I don't go on loan, the Dash will continue training and the league are looking at some friendly games - but it will be a long eight months.”

Daly, who studied at St John’s University in New York before signing for Houston in 2016, has previously toyed with the idea of moving back to England on a permanent basis, having received offers from WSL clubs in the past.

On contemplating a move to England’s top-flight, she added: "It's always at the back of mind, and I'd never say never, but it has to feel right and I have to feel ready. My life has been in the US for the past eight years. I've spent all of my 20s here and I've matured and grown up here.”

Fixtures for the 2020-21 WSL and Women’s Championship seasons will be announced by the Football Association on Friday.