US defender Onyewu on to AC Milan

Washington-born back impressed with Belgian club Liege

Oguchi Onyewu played a big role in Standard Liege's winning the Belgian League title. (AP)

The USA international has penned a three-year contract with the Rossoneri outfit.

A statement from the club read: "AC Milan announces the signing on a permanent deal of defender Oguchi Onyewu from Standard Liege.

"The player has signed a contract with AC Milan through 30 June 2012."

The 27-year-old, whose Liege contract was ending this summer, made a big contribution to Standard winning the Belgian League title last season. Onyewu, who played on loan at Newcastle in the 2007-08 campaign, is Milan's first summer signing.

The Washington-born center-back recently helped the USA finish second in the Confederations Cup in South Africa.