Eni Aluko joins new US team Angel City owned by sports stars and Hollywood big shots including Eva Longoria

ENI ALUKO has become the first-ever sporting director of newly-established women's football side Angel City.

Aluko, 34, will join the Los Angeles-based club whose high-profile female owners include Hollywood actress and producer Eva Longoria.

The ex-England striker previously held the sporting director's role at WSL side Aston Villa who won their battle to avoid relegation from the top-flight.

But the former Lionesses star, who has 102 international caps, stepped down from her post days after the end of the 2020-21 season.

Aluko says she is delighted to take on the challenge of helping to develop the US side who will compete in America's National Women's Soccer League.

In a post on Twitter Aluko said: "I’m thrilled to join Angel City, this is an incredible opportunity to help write the club’s first chapter.

"And to build a team that is people-focused and admired all over the world.

"I can’t wait to get started and join a fantastic female led ownership group."

"The passion and determination from to make an impact both on the field and in the community was a key part of my decision to join Angel City FC.

"Becoming the club’s first sporting director is a huge privilege."

Angel City is reported to have a number of influential and high-profile female financial backers including tennis superstar Serena Williams.

And A-lister Longoria is one of the many other celebrities who have decided to invest in the team.

The 46-year-old Desperate Housewives star is joined by fellow actresses Natalie Portman and Jennifer Garner as part-owners.