Seattle signs defender Tyrone Mears

SEATTLE (AP) -- The Seattle Sounders have signed former Premier League defender Tyrone Mears in the hopes of adding depth to their back line.

Seattle announced the signing on Monday. The signing is pending receipt of Mears' P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Mears spent time training with the Sounders last summer.

Mears, 31, has played professionally for 14 seasons, most of that coming in England. Mears played for Bolton from 2011-14. He also gained experience in the Premier League with Burnley, Derby County and West Ham United.

Mears also spent one season with French club Marseille.

Mears' addition will be a boost for Seattle's defense that saw DeAndre Yedlin leave for Tottenham after the season and that could be without centerback Zach Scott at the beginning of next season after offseason surgery.