Photo Credit: Ashley J Palmer 

Washington Spirit midfielder Christine Nairn has been announced as the Melbourne Victory's final international signing for the Melbourne Victory.

The 23-year-old joins Seattle Reign duo Lauren Barnes and Elli Reed, two players Nairn is familiar with after starting in all 22 games for Reign in her rookie season.

Nairn was a key figure in the Spirit's turnaround in 2014 with her six goals in 24 appearances helping Washington their first finals appearance after finishing second last in 2013.

Victory coach Joe Montemurro is pleased with the addition of Nairn for the title defence and the International Women's Club Championships in Japan.

"I'm thrilled to add another world-class player to the team," Montemurro said.

"One of the strengths of our squad is that our three American signings were all teammates at Seattle Reign in 2013 and have that solid understanding of each other's game."

Nairn, who should be available for Round 1 pending international clearance, will have big shoes to fill as she assumes the No.10 jersey vacated by Jessica Fishlock. Montemurro is confident the midfielder can provide the same drive as Fishlock.

"Christine is a creative and technically gifted attacking midfielder and I'm sure she'll prove to be a valuable member of the squad."

With Stephanie Catley's re-signing on Saturday and Nairn's today, it brings the Victory squad to 17 with just three positions available.

One glaring deficiency is the lack of designated forwards with only local product Tiffany Eliadis contracted.

While it is anticipated that their equal top goalscorer for last season, Caitlin Friend (7 goals), will return following the completion of her season with Notts County, there are still questions marks on the return of Friend's Season 6 strike partner Lisa De Vanna.

De Vanna not only provided 7 goals for the Victory, including one in the Grand Final, but also a number of assists for teammates.

Those questions regarding her return become louder with the signing of De Vanna's Spirit teammate Nairn, particular when you consider that a rumoured breakdown in team relationships resulted in the striker being left out of Washington's NWSL semi final.

If De Vanna doesn't return to Melbourne, it remains to be seen where in the W-League the 2013 FFA Player of the Year appears, if she does at all.

In the meantime Victory supporters await the final three signings hoping one or more will provide goals in the upcoming season.

Melbourne Victory kick off their season on 13 September 2014 against the Newcastle Jets.