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Toronto FC's Jermain Defoe (18) falls to the ground as he is hit by Houston Dynamo's Warren Creavalle, left, during the second half of a MLS soccer game Saturday, July 19, 2014, in Houston.The Associated Press

Toronto FC acquired versatile midfielder Warren Creavalle from Houston on Wednesday as the Dynamo positioned themselves to sign U.S. international fullback DaMarcus Beasley.

The clubs exchanged allocation ranking positions in the deal, moving Houston to the top of the list while Toronto dropped to No. 14. MLS uses the allocation ladder to regulate players returning to the league.

Toronto also sent allocation money to Houston, which would help in paying for Beasley.

Creavalle adds depth across a variety of positions for Toronto.

The 23-year-old Brooklyn native has three goals in 54 regular-season appearances for Houston. He was taken in the second round of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Central Florida and has played across the midfield and defence in MLS.

"Warren is a player that we have been watching closely for some time now and we feel his versatility will be a welcomed addition to our club," Toronto GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. "Houston expressed interest in switching allocation positions so combined with our interest in Warren this move was a win-win for both clubs."

Beasley, 32, is a former Chicago Fire player who has spent 10 years abroad, most recently with Mexico's Puebla. He has also played for PSV Eindhoven, Manchester City, Glasgow Rangers and Hannover.

"I'm excited for my new chapter In my new career! #wherewilliendup #whichcountry," Beasley tweeted Tuesday.

Beasley, who can also play on the wing, has won 120 caps for the U.S. and played in four World Cups.

He skipped college to enter MLS as a Project-40 player in 1999 when he was 16 and was assigned to the Los Angeles Galaxy. He was traded to Chicago before ever playing for the Galaxy.

Houston (5-11-4) has struggled all season, hampered by injuries and the World Cup absences of Garcia and U.S. midfielder Brad Davis. The Dynamo are winless in eight matches (0-6-2) and have given up a league-worst 40 goals.

Boniek Garcia is the Dynamo's only current senior designated player. Fellow Honduran midfielder Alexander Lopez is considered a young DP.

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