Everton Ladies have re-signed Ellie Stewart from local neighbours Liverpool.
The England youth international is a product of the Blues' Academy, but moved to the Reds in 2013.
The Toffees were relegated to FA WSL 2 last season.
Everton boss Andy Spence said: “Ellie is a player who we know a tremendous amount about and we have tracked her development since she left us in 2013.
"Once it became apparent that Ellie was available, it was an easy decision for me to make in terms of looking to bring her back to the club.
"We faced competition for her signature from WSL 1 and 2 clubs as she has fantastic potential - but I think Ellie could see we are very keen to give her the platform to showcase her undoubted ability.”
He continued: “I feel we have, in Ellie and Gabby George, the finest two young centre-backs in the country.
"Between them, they have the tools to develop a fantastic partnership and take this all the way through into the senior England squad over the coming years."
Stewart has represented her country at Under-23, U19 and U17 level and travelled to Canada as part of Mo Marley's England squad for last summer’s FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup.
