Damallsvenskan Newsblog

Kristine Lilly and Kate Markgraf were essential parts of KIF Örebro during the spring and Pia Sundhage is working hard to find replacements. Local daily Nerikes Allehanda reports that Sundhage has already been turned down by England's Kelly Smith, who said "maybe next year", and France's Marinette Pinchon. But Sundhage is fairly confident that Christie Welsh will reappear for Örebro (she played the last part of the 2004 season for Örebro) already in the match against Hammarby the first weekend of August, even if no papers are signed yet. She is also in talks with US national team midfielders Shannon Boxx (who seems like the preferred alternative) and Angela Hucles. The possible schedule for the US national team, which seems unknown after the friendlies against Ukraine (July 10) and Iceland (July 24), plays a big role here, since that seems to be Örebro's only competition for these players time.

No link, since this only appeared in the printed edition (big thanks to annso at uikfans.se for the heads-up!).