CHICAGO — The Fire have added Mexico forward Nery Castillo as their designated player.

Castillo will be on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine, but the MLS team has an option to complete a permanent transfer. Terms were not disclosed.

The 26-year-old has six goals in 21 appearances for Mexico. He is expected to have his paperwork in order and be eligible by the time Chicago plays at Los Angeles on Aug. 1.

MLS allows each team to designate a player whose salary does not count toward the team cap. This has allowed teams to sign stars such as David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Freddy Ljungberg and Thierry Henry, among others.
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