London City Lionesses are poised to sign Mary Earps and the Barcelona defender Mapi León on free transfers, the Guardian understands, after agreements were reached for them when their contracts expire at the end of June.

Earps has been keen on a return to the Women’s Super League after two years with Paris Saint-Germain, and London City are understood to have identified the former England goalkeeper as a key summer target months ago.

León, who will turn 31 this month, has been a key part of the Barcelona side that has dominated in Europe in recent years and is a four-time Champions League winner whose ball-playing ability was a key attribute London City have admired as they try to develop an attractive playing style. The former Atlético Madrid player has been with Barcelona for nine seasons.

The 33-year-old Earps has played for Manchester United, Reading, Bristol City (then known as Bristol Academy), Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers Belles during the WSL era, and is one of the division’s most successful goalkeepers. She won the WSL’s Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets during the 2022-23 season with United and she helped the club to win the Women’s FA Cup in 2024.

Earps fits the profile of what London City have been looking for to try to move to the next level, on and off the pitch. She will add significant top-level experience and it is hoped that her popularity can help the independent club to build their fanbase.

The club, owned by the American businesswoman Michele Kang, have been keen to target A-list players to attract more fans but also players who can strengthen the team and help them to challenge for trophies, and there are high hopes that these additions will do that.