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Whitecaps sign Canada defenders David Edgar and Marcel De Jong

The Vancouver Whitecaps added to their defensive ranks with the additions of David Edgar and Marcel de Jong on Monday.

Both defenders are Canada internationals and signed 18-month deals as free agents.

Edgar, 29, will play his club football in North America for the first time after a career in England in which he played for Newcastle, Burnley, Swansea City, Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United.

"I'm delighted to sign for Whitecaps FC and especially to be back in Canada," Edgar said. "After all my years in England, it has always been in my plans to come and be a part of MLS.

"I'm very excited for this next step in my career and to be a part of a fantastic organization like Whitecaps FC. I already feel at home at BC Place being part of the Canadian national team and the recent World Cup qualifiers here."

De Jong, also 29, played in MLS last season with Sporting Kansas City after a decade in Netherlands and Germany.

He was let go before the season and played the first half of the NASL season with the Ottawa Fury.

"We are very familiar with Marcel, both from playing against him and his years with the national team," said Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson.

"He's a good professional who brings additional experience and versatility to our squad."