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Orlando City signs Jonathan Spector

Jason Cairnduff / Reuters

Orlando City announced Tuesday the club has signed defender Jonathan Spector out of English Championship outfit Birmingham City, adding the 30-year-old U.S. men's national team regular as a Discovery Signing.

Birmingham confirmed the deal was the result of a cancelled contract by mutual consent between the two parties. Thus, Spector joins Orlando without a transfer fee.

"We are thrilled to add a player of Jonathan's pedigree to our roster," Orlando general manager Niki Budalic said in a club-issued statement.

"It's no secret we have been looking for another defender. He is a technical and gifted defender that can play anywhere in the back line and possesses valuable experience in England's top tiers and the U.S. national team."

A former Manchester United, West Ham, and Charlton Athletic player, Spector recently plied his trade with Birmingham, where he made 23 total appearances in the 2016-17 season, adding to his total of 101 Premier League and 153 Championship caps. He also has over 35 appearances for the U.S. national team.

Orlando head coach Jason Kreis will look to use Spector in areas of need in his back line, as the versatile defender - who was often used as a right full-back at Birmingham - can slot into a number of positions.

Spector will, as such, likely battle for a spot with Kevin Alston and Rafael Ramos, who've yet to secure a starting position out wide on the right. Orlando recently added Victor "PC" Giro and Jose Aja to its center-back group, which currently sits at six total players.

The Lions also acquired Donny Toia, who plays at left full-back.

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