Matthew Chambers Norwich City great Darren Huckerby has signed for Major League Soccer side the San Jose Earthquakes, according to reports in the US. The California-based Quakes have reached an agreement with Huckerby on an 18-month deal after coming to terms with Toronto FC over the player's rights.

Matthew Chambers

Norwich City great Darren Huckerby has signed for Major League Soccer side the San Jose Earthquakes, according to reports in the US.

The California-based Quakes have reached an agreement with Huckerby on an 18-month deal after coming to terms with Toronto FC over the player's rights.

The 32-year-old, released by Norwich City at the end of last season - much to the chargrin of the Canaries' fans - will not be available until after the July 15 transfer window opens in the MLS and after clearing any immigration issues

City's two-time player of the year has proved true to his word in ensuring that he will not face his beloved Norwich.

Toronto had been favourites to land Huckerby's signature as they held the player's rights under the discovery process, and will now be due compensation from San Jose.

According to a source Stateside, Huckerby did not like the idea of playing on the artificial turf at Toronto and they began shopping him around. Frank Yallop expressed an interest in bringing him to Buck Shaw Stadium, and Huckerby accompanied Yallop to the Los Angeles-New England match at the Home Depot Center last weekend.

Huckerby faces a huge challenge once the deal is completed in order to help San Jose stave off total embarrassment in their dismal maiden season in Major League Soccer. The winger, who netted 48 times during his Canary career, will hopefully add some much-needed experience and attacking prowess to a team that has scored an MLS-low 10 goals in 15 games.