Fulham swoop for U.S. star McBride
LONDON, England -- Premier league Fulham have signed United States striker Brian McBride, his American club Columbus Crew said on Tuesday.
The 31-year-old, who has scored 23 goals in 72 internationals, opted to join the west London club instead of rivals Blackburn Rovers.
Fulham this week agreed the sale of striker Louis Saha to champions Manchester United in a $18.7 deal -- and on Monday night lost 3-1 at Newcastle.
Frenchman Saha has passed his medical with United and should complete his move to the Old Trafford club at the end of the week.
The deal for the 25-year-old is unlikely to be finalised until United manager Sir Alex Ferguson returns from a break in Dubai on Friday.
United's next game is against third division Northampton Town in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, but Saha is ineligible.
According to reports, Fulham entered the McBride negotiations at the 11th hour to sink a planned $2m transfer to Blackburn. The player is expected to earn up to $2m a year.
McBride is no stranger to English football, having played for Everton on loan last season and he also had a previous spell with Preston North End.
