The 21-year-old will link up with former Mariners player John Hutchinson, who is now part of the coaching staff at the second-tier USL club.

Whyte has been involved in the Mariners youth set up for the last six seasons and eventually went on to captain the side. 

The left-back trained with the Sounders recently and impressed enough to earn a contract for the rest of the season. 

“We are very pleased Coach Hutchinson was able to connect the club with Steve,” Sounders FC Director of Player Personnel Kurt Schmid said. 

“He brings talent to our group of left-backs, which is an area we identified that needed improvement.”

Hutchinson said: “When Steve trialed with us, we immediately saw his potential. We’re glad he decided to come over and see what he can do in our organisation.”

The Sounders are 10th in the USL Western Conference and take on last-placed Portland Timbers 2 on Friday afternoon (AEST). 

Whyte will not feature, however, as he will be arriving back in Seattle next week. 

Main pic: Sounders 2 website