FORMER Celtic midfielder Shaun Maloney has agreed a deal with MLS club Chicago Fire.
The Scottish international was at the centre of a number of bids during this month’s transfer window, including a move to Leicester City.
Talks broke down after Wigan had agreed a £1million fee and the 32-year-old, who previously spent two spells with Celtic, was also linked with a return to Parkhead.
The speculation ended when Chicago Fire announced the deal and named him as one of their “Designated Players.”
Maloney’s season starts with an away date in Los Angeles against LA Galaxy on March 7.
Chicago coach Frank Yalop said: “Shaun is a very experienced player, having played in both the English and Scottish Premier Leagues.
“His style of play fits in exactly with what we are trying to do at Fire.
“He’s a hard-working, attack-minded player who is really going to help this team and we are excited to sign him.”
Maloney leaves Wigan after three-and-a-half years and 15 goals in 91 appearances.
He said: “I am very happy to be joining the Fire.
“I owe a lot to the manager Frank Yallop and the owner Andrew Hauptman for getting this done.
“It’s a brilliant league and I’m really hopeful that I going to enjoy Chicago and be a big part of what the club is building.”
