AMSTERDAM — Erstwhile Columbus Crew winger Robbie Rogers was granted a UK work permit on Wednesday afternoon, MLSsoccer.com has learned, allowing the US international to begin a two-and-a-half-year deal with promotion seekers Leeds United.



Rogers heads back across the pond as a free agent, having spent five season with the Crew after arriving from Eredivisie side Heerenveen in 2007. In all, he rung up 15 goals and 16 assists in 115 games, winning MLS Cup with Columbus in 2008.

WATCH: Rogers beats Nielsen



Given the thumbs up at his Home Office appeal hearing, the 24-year-old will now try to enter manager Simon Grayson's selection as quickly as possible.

"I am obviously extremely excited to be joining Leeds," Rogers told MLSsoccer.com upon signing the contract last week. "I will have to work extremely hard to get fit and hopefully make my first appearance at Elland Road very soon."



Leeds, who have also just accepted a Norwich City bid for skipper Johnny Howson, currently stand three points shy of a promotion playoff slot in 11th place. The Whites next host Ipswich Town on Saturday and Jonathan Spector's Birmingham City on Tuesday.