Ljungberg smells the coffee in Seattle (From Echo)

Ljungberg smells the coffee in Seattle

9:30am Tuesday 28th October 2008 in

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FORMER West Ham United midfielder Freddie Ljungberg will complete a move Stateside to newly-elected Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Seattle Sounders later today.

The ex-Sweden captain has been out of action since having his Irons' contract paid-up just one year into a three-year deal at Upton Park.

Ljungberg is believed to have pocketed between £4million and £5million from the agreement and some reports in his native Sweden suggested the player may retire to pursue a career in the fashion or arts business.

But, following months of deliberation, the 31-year-old has opted to join the Sounders, who will begin their first season at MLS level in March 2009.

The deal was completed following talks at the world's first-ever Starbucks in the city's Pike Place Market on Monday.

Ljungberg, who scored twice in 26 matches for the Hammers last season, will be the Sounders' "designated player" and is expected to earn around $2.5million (£1.6million).

Among his new team-mates at Qwest Field will be former Millwall and Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

According to reports in Seattle, Ljungberg will be unveiled at a press conference at 11am local time (6pm UK time).