Watford Ladies have strengthened their defensive options by signing a goalkeeper and a defender.

Teenage keeper Fran Kitching has joined the Golden Girls on a season-long loan from Chelsea Ladies, while experienced defender Sarah Jones has moved to the Hornets having played for Millwall Lionesses and Crystal Palace among other clubs in the past.

Despite being only 19, the highly-rated Kitching played in the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final against Birmingham and has also featured in Women’s Super League 1.

"She will provide stiff competition for the number one spot which for me is the starting block of any successful team,” Watford head coach Keith Boanas told the club website.

“I know Stuart Searle, her coach at Chelsea, and he called me asking would we consider a loan deal as they were keen to keep her down south. They obviously see her as one for the future, and we’ve agreed a deal where she will share her training programme between the two clubs.

"Many clubs have been busy announcing new signings, and new deals for existing players, but our philosophy is based very much about sourcing the right player.

"They must want to play for this club, and want to work with myself and (assitant) Alberto (Kurti) as a priority, not for financial reasons. We missed some targets mainly due to logistics, but we are happy with the ones we have retained, and hopefully one or two more to come.”

Jones was the second signing of the day to be confirmed and Boanas remarked: "I have known Sarah for over nine years and she played previously for both myself and Alberto, she's a reliable and resolute central defender, with bags of experience and leadership skills.

"The experience Sarah has gained gives her qualities that coincide with her experience in the game. She reads the game well, is determined in 1v1 duels both on the ground and in the air. Another important aspect is her good passing vision, and she'll also be a goal threat in the air from set pieces for us.”