Shelbourne star Jess Ziu agrees move to West Ham

Republic of Ireland midfielder Jess Ziu has agreed a move from Shelbourne to Women's Super League side West Ham United.

Ziu will move across the water in the summer after a string excellent performances for club and country caught the Hammers' eye.

The 19-year-old came through the Shels and has already become a regular in Vera Pauw's Ireland squad.

She was a key figure last season when Shels won the league title and reached the FAI Cup final, where they lost to Wexford Youths.

"I'm so excited to be joining West Ham United," Ziu told whufc.com. "It’s a proud moment for me and my family. I’ve been playing football since I was four-years-old, and my goal has always been to become professional.

"The fact that I’m now able to call myself a West Ham United player is surreal, but I’m really looking forward to next season and the opportunity that I have.

"I’ve already met the girls and the staff, and everyone was so welcoming to me when I came over for a short period.

"I would describe myself as a pacey player, I like to dribble through players and in tight spaces. I’m technical on the ball and a hard worker off it. Hopefully that should stand me in good stead coming over to the WSL."

Her departure will be a blow to Shels who will also be shorn of Saoirse Noonan in the summer. Noonan joined English Championship side Durham FC at the end of January but then returned to the Tolka Park outfit on loan after sustaining a knee injury.

She'll rehab in Ireland before heading back to Durham before the start of the Championship season.

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