Man United's fight to keep Earps among five big WSL transfer sagas

Just three points separate the top three - Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal - and the bottom three - Brighton, West Ham and Bristol City - heading into the second half of the season.

Clubs will be looking to shore up their key players and to bring in reinforcements as the competition is set to be fierce at both ends of the table.

So what are the biggest WSL transfers to look out for and what are the most crucial ones that have already taken place? talkSPORT.com takes a look.

Mary Earps

Having joined the Red Devils just one year after their reformation back in 2019, Earps' contract with Manchester United will expire this summer.

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She is now free to speak to clubs outside of England to discuss potential deals and French giants PSG have already expressed interest in signing the Lionesses keeper.

English clubs, including Arsenal who had a bid rejected for Earps last summer, are not yet permitted to enter into contract talks with the keeper but she could receive fresh interest from WSL clubs in summer if her future is still undecided.

However, according to the Telegraph, Earps remains open to the idea of signing a new contract with Manchester United.

Having failed to keep hold of club stalwarts Alessia Russo and Ona Batlle, Manchester United will be desperate to keep hold of Earps.

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Ellie Roebuck

The Lionesses goalkeeper has fallen out of favour at Manchester City after 19-year-old Khiara Keating knocked her off the top spot with a string of excellent performances.

Roebuck's contract with Manchester City runs out in summer but the 24-year-old is keen to make a move in January that will allow her to get game time and secure her place as a first-team keeper once again.

Manchester United are said to be one of the clubs linked with Roebuck and, should they sign her, it could make things interesting when it comes to Earps' decision to stay or go.

Roebuck has played second-fiddle to Earps in the England squad too, and will be keen to ensure she has the chance to prove to Sarina Wiegman that she deserves a spot on the national team.

Emily Fox

Arsenal may feel the impending returns of Leah Williamson and Laura Wienrother, as well as the re-additions of Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema late last year, mean they are effectively gaining four new signings in the latter half of their season.

However, they are reported to be in discussions with USA and North Carolina Courage's Emily Fox.

Fox was part of the USA team who shockingly crashed out of the 2023 Women's World Cup in the round of 16.

However, the defender has 39 appearances for the USA and a wealth of experience and is said to have drawn interest from a number of WSL clubs.

Since Arsenal are currently at maximum squad numbers, they will have to let players go if they are to sign any new players in January.

Kristie Mewis

Two big deals have already been completed...

West Ham, who currently sit 11th out of 12 in the WSL table, might feel they have already conducted the most crucial piece of their transfer window business.

In what could well be the most high-profile signing this January, USA midfielder and Olympic bronze medalist Kristie Mewis joined the Hammers at the end of December.

Mewis joins from NJ/NY Gotham FC in the USA having just won the 2023 NWSL Championship.

She joins fiancée and Chelsea star Sam Kerr in England and the two would have been hoping to meet in the WSL for the first time when West Ham host the Blues on Sunday 24 March.

But Kerr recently suffered an ACL injury during a winter training camp with Chelsea in Morocco.

For Mewis though, the task ahead will be no mean feat: avoid relegation and keep West Ham in the WSL.

Katrina Gorry

The Hammers have moved quickly to get their January business done early.

While Mewis will certainly hope to salvage West Ham's dire season so far, the squad know they will need all the help they can get to turn their fortunes around.

They have also completed the signing of Australian midfielder Katrina Gorry, a player who has 103 appearances and 17 goals for her country.

Gorry was a key player for the Matildas as they reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Women's World Cup before ultimately being defeated by England's Lionesses.

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But her experience could be exactly what manager Rehanne Skinner needs to ensure this season does not end in disaster.

The WSL returns on Saturday 20 January.