Dane Richards agrees to join Burnley from Vancouver

Vancouver Whitecaps winger Dane Richards will join Burnley on a free transfer on 1 January 2013.

Richards, 28, only joined Vancouver last month from MLS rivals New York Red Bulls and has scored two goals in seven games for the Canadians.

The Jamaica international played for New York for five and a half years, scoring 21 goals in 147 games.

"He is quick and direct and has a real turn of pace," manager Eddie Howe told the club website.

"I think he will be joining us at a good time in January, hopefully to give us a push in the second half of the season.

"He has good international experience, he is a good age and we're looking forward to adding Dane to the squad."

Richards said: "Burnley presented a good opportunity for me to play in Europe for the first time in my career.

"At the same time, I'm really enjoying my time with Whitecaps FC and will continue to work hard to contribute to the team's success as we move towards the post-season."