Left back Unitt has moved from Fulham, midfielder Williams from Charlton Athletic and striker Handley from Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Unitt and Handley are in fact returning to Everton, each of them having played for the club earlier in their careers, as did fourth signing Becky Easton.

Like Handley, former England international midfielder Easton has re-joined the Toffees from Donny Belles.

And manager Mo Marley has made a fifth signing in England Under-19 midfielder Michelle Evans, who has moved across Merseyside from Tranmere Rovers.

This influx of top players should put Everton in with a chance of challenging for major honours in the season ahead.

They finished sixth in last season’s FA Nationwide Women’s Premier League table and have collected no silverware since winning the League in 1997-98.

But as she prepares to start the new campaign back at her old club, Unitt said: "With the players we’ve signed we’ll definitely be out for a trophy.

"I think the League will be very open this season and that we’ll be up there with the likes of Arsenal, Charlton, Fulham and Birmingham.

"And we’ll certainly have a chance in the Cups. I’m really looking forward to playing for the club again and it’s going to be a very exciting season."