Manchester City sign US women's star Carli Lloyd

London (AFP) – FIFA Women’s Player of the Year Carli Lloyd has joined Manchester City on a short-term contract, the English club announced on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old United States captain arrives from the Houston Dash and will play in the 2017 Spring Series, the FA Women’s Cup and the Women’s Champions League.

Lloyd has won 232 international caps and scored a hat-trick, including a goal from 55 yards, in the United States’ 5-2 win over Japan in the 2015 World Cup final.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Manchester City, a club which is leading the development of women’s football both on and off the pitch,” Lloyd told the City website.

“Having played in the US throughout my career, the chance to fulfil a long-held ambition to test myself in a new footballing environment, as well as playing in the Champions League, is something I am relishing.”

The move will see Lloyd link up with England internationals including captain Steph Houghton, defender Lucy Bronze and striker Toni Duggan.

Lloyd, who has also scored the winning goal in two Olympic finals, will begin training with her new team-mates next month.