Official: Chivas USA announce signing of English forward Luke Moore

After weeks of speculation, Chivas USA announced Monday they have signed English forward Luke Moore. Though details of the deal were not disclosed, in line with regular team and league policy, reports have it that Moore was out of contract following an unsuccessful spell with Turkish midtable side Elazigspor, so he presumably comes on a free transfer.

"Moore is a very talented player who has proven his scoring ability at the international level by playing in one of the biggest leagues in the world," said Chivas USA Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera in a statement. "He's going to be a very important addition to our team in terms of competition, depth, and possibilities up front to create scoring opportunities and goals."

The 28-year-old spent most of his career in England and Wales, coming through the Aston Villa youth system before making his first team debut with that club in 2003. With Villa until 2008, Moore had a loan stint during that time with lower division side Wycombe Wanderers. In 2008 he made the move to West Bromwich Albion, which yo-yoed back and forth between the 2nd-division Championship and 1st-division Premier League during his time with the club, which ended in 2011. In 2010, he went on loan to Championship side Derby County.

Moore joined Swansea in 2011, when they were still in the Championship, then made the move up to the Premier League with the Swans the next season. He won the English League Cup with Swansea last season, his last with the club.

After joining Turkish Super Lig side Elazigspor last August, Moore made 14 league appearances for the club, but never scored for them. He has been considered a free agent since January.

Clearly, it will be Moore's first time in MLS, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts to the league. Presumably, he'll get playing time this season, but one hopes his scoring rate will improve with Chivas, who have struggled to score at a consistent clip in recent seasons, and will only have the services of 2013 leading scorer Erick Torres for the first few months of this season.

At any rate, what do you think? Leave a comment below!