ROME - AC MILAN sprung a transfer surprise on Monday, although not one likely to appease disgruntled fans, by signing United States defender Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege.

The 27-year-old centre-back had come to the end of his contract in Belgium but holds a Belgian passport so will not be counted as a non-EU player on Milan's roster.

He signed a three-year deal just a couple of weeks after staring for the US in the Confederations Cup in South Africa, where they were shock finalists and even led mighty Brazil 2-0 before eventually succumbing 3-2. He has played 38 times for his country, scoring five goals.

'This transaction shows once again the excellent friendly relationship between our club and Standard Liege, particularly their executive vice-president Luciano D'Onofrio,' said a statement on Milan's official website.

The six-foot four-inch player was born in Washington DC to Nigerian parents but began his club career at Metz in France in 2002.

He was loaned out to La Louviere in Belgium in 2003 and his form there earnt him a move to Liege, where he won two Belgian titles.

He spent a short time on loan at Newcastle in the English Premier League in 2007, playing 11 league matches.

However, with star player Kaka having left in a 67 million euro (S$137 million) deal, this signing of a relative unknown is unlikely to please Milan's hardcore support.

About 300 fans protested outside the club's Milanello base on the first day of pre-season training on Monday, complaining at the lack of big name signings. -- AFP