Fran Kirby has moved to Chelsea for what former club Reading say is a British record transfer fee after impressing with England at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old, who studies coaching science at Bucks New University, was dubbed ‘mini Messi’ by national coach Mark Sampson after she scored the first goal of their Women’s World Cup campaign in a 2-1 win against Mexico.

The Lionesses went onto capture the imagination of the whole country as they knocked out Norway and hosts Canada en route to the semi-finals, where only a last minute own goal denied them a place in the final.

Victory against Germany in the third place play-off capped a remarkable tournament for Kirby, who had become the first player from the second tier of women’s football to be selected to represent England at a major tournament.

Her displays for England coupled with her exploits for the Royals last season, when she netted 24 league goals, attracted bids from Arsenal and Manchester City, but she opted instead to join the west Londoners.

“When I joined the club aged 8, I could never have imagined where it would take me,” Kirby told the club website.

“To have success with all my teammates at Reading, played for England in the World Cup and now make this move, it’s all a little bit surreal to be honest.

“My journey at Reading has been something very, very special. The club have supported me in so many ways, and there are so many people that I need to thank for helping to get me where I am today.”

Chelsea are currently top of the Women’s Super League 1 and after signing a three-and-half year deal Kirby is available to play against Bristol Academy this weekend.

“We’re delighted we’ve been able to get Fran on board, she is a very exciting young talent and I think she can go on to become a Chelsea great,” said Blues manager Emma Hayes.

“Our aim is to win trophies here and Fran can play a major part in that for years to come.”