LA Galaxy sign Norway defender Jorgen Skjelvik on free transfer

CARSON, Calif. -- Norwegian defender Jorgen Skjelvik has joined the LA Galaxy on a free transfer.

The five-time MLS champions announced the deal with Skjelvik on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Skjelvik joined Norwegian powerhouse Rosenborg in 2013 and played on three Eliteserien title-winning teams. He recorded six goals and 13 assists while appearing in 163 games for the club in central defense.

Skjelvik also has played six games for Norway, including two recent appearances in World Cup qualifiers.

Later on Thursday, the Galaxy traded forward Jack McBean to the Colorado Rapids for a fourth-round pick in next year's draft.

The Galaxy are rebuilding their defense after yielding a franchise-record 67 goals last season and finishing last in the Western Conference.

A day earlier, the Galaxy parted ways with two goalkeepers whose options they had declined, sending Jon Kempin to Columbus for a fourth-round draft pick, while Clement Diop, who started 15 games for LA last year, was selected by the Montreal Impact in the waiver draft.

According to reports, LA is also shopping midfieldersGyasi Zardes andJoao Pedro this offseason.