SCOTLAND internationalist Shaun Maloney will earn $1,586,000 (£1,015,918) a year playing in Major League Soccer, according to figures published by the league’s Players Union.

The forward moved to Chicago Fire in January after agreeing a three-year contract which will make him over $1.5 million in guaranteed annual compensation after a basic salary of $1,550,000 (£992,857).

The 32-year-old - who is currently sidelined due to back spasms - signed for the MLS franchise as a Designated Player, meaning that his contract is not subject to the league’s salary cap. He follows compatriots Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd by earning over $1 million across the Atlantic. The former Rangers strikers made $1,515,000 (£970,438) and $1,239,316 (£793,848) respectively in guaranteed annual compensation while playing in MLS, while compatriot Barry Robson stood to earn $596,500 (£382,090) a year during a short spell with Vancouver Whitecaps.

The latest salary figures also confirm that Orlando City captain Kaka is the highest earner in the division, with the 2007 Ballon d’Or winner making over $7 million a year in Florida. Recent high-profile arrivals Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have each signed contracts which will earn them $6,332,504 and $6 million a year, respectively. Gerrard has joined LA Galaxy in a $9 million move from Liverpool, while Lampard has signed for New York City FC.