Liverpool Ladies sign Danish Under-23 international defender Nina Pedersen

Liverpool Ladies have signed Danish U23 international defender Nina Pedersen.

The 22-year-old centre-back joins from US side California Golden Bears, subject to international clearance.

She signs with Liverpool having enjoyed an unbeaten start to the 2014 Women’s Super League campaign, with victory over Manchester City preceding draws with Chelsea, Notts County and Birmingham City.

Liverpool boss Matt Beard said: “This is a really exciting signing for Liverpool Ladies as she is a highly rated defender, who is comfortable on the ball, so will adapt to our style of play effortlessly.

“I am delighted to have been able to have acquired Nina as she will give us more options in defence and is also able to play in midfield, so her versatility will be crucial as we look to retain our WSL title.”

Pedersen said: “I am thrilled to be able to join Liverpool and cannot wait to get started.

“I have always had the ambition to play in England so to be able to sign for the defending champions was obviously a massive opportunity for me that I could not turn down.

“The team have got an excellent defensive record so far this season and hopefully I can help to improve that even more.”

Pedersen joined the Bears, who are associated with the University of California in Berkeley, having impressed at Texas University. She previously represented Denmark at U17 and U19 level.