Interview: Jack McInerney talks offseason, attacking midfielders, Euro options and Union future

Via MLSSoccer.com

I had a chance to speak with 21 year old MLS All Star Jack McInerney of the Philadelphia Union today and we spoke on a number of different topics pertaining towards the future of Jack in the league and the future of the Philadelphia Union.

Jack on the offseason thus far: "For the most part just been relaxing. Last offseason I went in and was told to just recover from the previous season since I had not had a workload like that (before). So everyday I just lifted and touched the ball 2, 3 times a week and I started the season on fire. So this offseason I've been pretty much sticking to (the) same thing."

On manager Hackworth and players he might be playing with next season: "Last time we talked he asked what I think we needed and I said a through ball would be nice every once and a while. He laughed and said it was exactly what they were going to get this offseason. Never mentioned any names but I get the feeling it would not be a MLS player."

On MLS attackers he'd like to have in Philadelphia: "I thought Eddie J (Johnson), Zakuani or DeRo all would have been great fits."

On overseas interest: "I haven't (Heard of any interest overseas). The plan right now is to play out my contract and see what happens. Europe is eventually the goal though. If something came along though, I'm definitely interested."

On if the Union would come to him with a new contract: "Unless they came to me with something a good bit up there, I wouldn't take it."

-Marc Kusant (Twitter: @TheRedestBull)

Gianni Cristiano speaks with Impact's Daniele Paponi about his future

 

Via ImpactMontreal.com

Thanks to Gianni, MLS Transfers has learned that Paponi's future with the Montreal Impact seem bleak.

On loan from Bologna, Gianni spoke to Daniele about his future at the club. In a translated conversation, Paponi's response was,

"I'm not sure I remained (at the club)! But already at the beginning of the year we agreed that I remained for one year only, because my idea was to return to Italy."

Gianni also mentions no eventual loan to a 3rd division Italian club was talked about, as some reports are suggesting.

For more on the Impact, follow Gianni on twitter at @GianniCFMB and check out CalcioMLSMontreal.com

Sources: Revs GM and Agudelo talk 2014 season, future with club

Via MLSSoccer.com

Two sources with contact to the New England Revolution FO have said that Mike Burns and Juan Agudelo talked yesterday, as originally reported here.

One source said the talks started by Juan Agudelo officially stating he would not be returning to New England for the 2014 season.

"Juan started by sharing that he wouldn't be with the team next season but thanked Mike Burns for everything he did in helping him the past seven months."

Talks switched to a possibility of Agudelo returning sometime in the future.

"No timeline of Juan's return were brought up but Burns and Juan both know that the Revs hold his MLS rights and discussed potential of returning one day. Nothing specific (ie. loans, transfer back to New England) was talked about."

Another source said that Burns and Agudelo's relationship is stronger than ever.

"There's no ill feeling towards Juan from Mike's perspective and Juan sees Mike as someone who helped him out in a time of need. Both parties seem to be happy for one another and that relationship might help out in the future."

More information to come regarding Agudelo's next stop. Recent reports are linking Juan with a move to Spanish side Valencia.

Rumor: Crew to give ex-England International David Bentley a try

Via Myfootbalfacts.com

A tip from a source in England says that Gregg Berhalter is in midst of convincing former England man David Bentley to come in for a trial come January.

Now 29 yeard old, David Bentley was supposed to be the next David Beckham. After finding success Blackburn Rovers, Bentley played just 72 league games over the past 5 years do to injury and poor form. Bentley has been out of contract since June and is looking to regain the form he once had.

The source also indicates the Crew might have competition from Bulgarian side Levski Sofia as well as an undisclosed Italian side. Bentley can sign anywhere in the world at anytime now that he is a free agent.

Bentley was also close to joining MLS in 2012, when he revealed to Goal.com that he was close to joining the league before the deal fell through. In the article he states, "The league is developing. Hopefully, one day in the future (there will be an opportunity to play in MLS)."

Union desperate for attacking midfielder, update on Perez and new target

Via diarioesiciliano.com

Philadelphia have new money to play with.

After the sale of Michael Farfan to Mexican club Cruz Azul, it seems the the Union are desperate for a new signing. A source says the allocation money the Union received for Farfan is more than enough to help the salary of a new, DP cost signing.

According to this report, Pablo Perez has been rumored as a signing but complications of him not wanting to join the league and the team are proving to be too difficult of an ask for the FO. In all this mess, the one thing Philadelphia has going for itself is its new found relationship with Newell's Old Boys says a source with connections to the Union FO. Newell's FO is trying to help the Union acquire a new target should Perez officially turn down the offer.

The source has told MLS Transfers that Martin Tonso, also of Newell's Old Boys, is another winter transfer target.

After doing some research, the first reports on this were by Juan Arango in this tweet:

December 24, 2013: @JuanG_Arango: BTW from what I've been able to gather and hear from Rosario, there have been inquiries from @MLS for Martín Tonso.

Those inquiries seem to be from the Union. Tonso is also an attacking midfielder and is his transfer value is listed at $2.4 million. It is unsure if the deal goes through if it will be a loan, or a permanent transfer.

More information to come.

Interview: Ex-DC and Philly forward Fred open to MLS Return

Via DCUnited.com

We recently spoke to Fred, formerly of DC United (2007-2009, 2011) and Philadelphia Union (2010) fame about what's next in his career now that he is currently our of contract at Melbourne Heart.

When asked what leagues he was looking at, Fred said he was looking all over. "I'm looking anywhere, but I will be happy if I can play here (USA) for another team in MLS."

"When you get older it's difficult," says the 34 year old "but I think I can still play at a high level."

Fred also said that any team that believes in him will be the best. He also named his old clubs as possibilities.

"Philadelphia and DC United were the clubs I played for (and) they will be good too (to play for again)."

Fred also stated that MLS is at a higher quality of play than the A-League and is sincerely hoping to head back to the North American league.

I (tried) to reach them (MLS). I made many friends when I played there, maybe they can help me out now."

-Marc Kusant (@TheRedestBull)

Q & A Session 12/25

Over the past few days we've asked you to ask questions on whatever in MLS you wanted. Here are some of the few questions we picked out to answer:

Question: @redbjb: give me a name for the Red Bulls. Nothing vague about a central creative attacking mid from South America. A name. Please.

Answer: Here's a name: Brian Sarmiento. New York has been in contact with him as he figures out his options for next season. A one time Argentinean U-17 player, he has played for over 7 clubs since 2008 and is looking for some stability.  Although probably not high on the Red Bull's list, they could get him for cheap as his contract with Arsenal Sarandi is set the expire next season and looks like they both want to split their separate ways.

Question: @Z_is_Binary: have the Grinch and Nick Sackiewicz ever been photographed together? Coincidence?

Answer: You might be on to something...

Question: @seanmophoto: any news or specifics on the "Gato" to Timbers rumors? Will he be a DP?

Answer: Specifics, no. But it looks like Portland has signed Gaston Fernandez. I expect him to be a DP just based upon his resume and value alone.

Question: @GuaraCP do you honestly see Jamar Loza coming into the Fire from Norwich? If so, how do u think he'll help the fire?

Answer: Not sure if he'll join or not just yet but if he doesn't, I expect Yallop to continue to identify players from Norwich to bring over. He wants new blood and fresh ideas in Chicago as soon as possible.

Question: @Captain_Kirk_16: will @FCDallas have a coach this season? Lol

Answer: They have to....right? But seriously, I'd expect to hear something within the next week or two at the latest.

Question: @jsggill: any updates on which Mexican clubs are interested in Camillo?

Answer: Yes, Queretaro is interested in signing him but from everything we're hearing is that new manager Carl Robinson wants him back. A loan offer from Queretaro seems the more likely option, and even that we have our doubts.

Question: @b_rampi: hear anything further on Michael Parkhurst with the January transfer window about to open? Big 6 months upcoming... #USMNT

Answer: Actually, we've heard absolutely nothing about him leaving or going on loan anywhere in the upcoming window. Unfortunate as he needs playing time if he wants to make the squad for Brazil.

Question: @ajvsell: Odds Agudelo stays in MLS (or stays here on loan) ?

Answer: Almost at nothing. His heart is set on Europe and he's supposed to talk to Mike Burns by the end of the week. Doesn't look to promising as of right now.

MLS club looking to lure in ex-England International Bobby Zamora

Via Mirror.co.uk

Vancouver Whitecaps are looking to add a piece to their already potent offensive puzzle by adding former England international and current Queens Park Rangers forward Bobby Zamora to the club this January.

It is said new coach Carl Robinson will be looking to hold on to Golden Boot winner Camilo and Scottish sensation Kenny Miller but is interested in adding a third offensive dimension in Zamora. Robinson is asking owners for transfer money to play with. If he is not given the money, Robinson will have to wait until Zamora is out of contract at QPR, only 6 months from now in June.

If this deal goes through, it looks like it could spell the end for controversial striker Darren Mattocks. Recently, Mattocks has stated his desire to play elsewhere with both MLS and international clubs keeping an eye out for the 23 year old.

(UPDATE) Source: Villareal could be loaned to Cruz Azul until May, Farfan permanent transfer

After reports surfaced this afternoon from ESPN Deportes about Rafael Baca, Michael Farfan and Jose Villareal joining Liga MX side Cruz Azul, a source close to the situation in LA has said that Villareal could be joining on loan.

Villareal, in search of more first team minutes, is looking for a change of scenery.  The source says Villareal has talked about a loan in the past with Galaxy management and could be loaned to Cruz Azul for the entire Clausura 2014 campaign. His loan would start January 1 and end May 18.


More information to come.

UPDATE 1 : Source confirms Michael Farfan to Cruz Azul is OFFICIAL. Full transfer, not a loan. More details on contract and transfer fee to come.

UPDATE 2: Source says Villareal's loan will be until mid-May. Galaxy then have option to bring him back or let him stay on loan exclusively at Cruz Azul until December 2014. Cruz Azul then would have option to buy player if it reaches that stage.

Update on clubs interested in David Ferreira

After hours of reaching out to sources over email and text, here is the latest on David Ferreira:

-Talks with Philadelphia have stalled somewhat as Ferreira's agent has told him to observe all options before committing to a club

-Source says Ferreira to America de Cali has more legs than previously thought. Although would Ferreira rather play in Colombia's first division, he will consider a return only if, "he can have an ambassador role with the club after his retirement"

-Colorado Rapids have joined in the hunt for Ferreira as Oscar Pareja is apparently high on the player

-Former MLSer Juan Pablo Angel has reached out to Ferreira on the possibility of joining current league and cup champions in Columbia, Atletico Nacional. Atletico coach Juan Carlos Osorio has also coached in MLS and surely knows of the skill Ferreira possess 

Rumor: Matteo Ferrari "furious" with Montreal's contract negotiations

Via MontrealImpact.com

During the 2013 season, Matteo Ferrari was living large. He had a base salary of $240,000 and a guaranteed compensation of $295,475. But that looks set to change, as a source has said that Montreal want him to re-negotiate his contract. 

The Wasserman Media Group (Ferrari's agency) has been contacted by Nick De Santis about a possible change in his salary. When Ferrari heard about this news early in the week, a source said Matteo was so furious that he called De Santis himself about the change. The proposed offer on the table will stand at 2 years and the player will make around $160,000 each year. The change in contract will save the Impact over $270,000 in salary over the next two years.

Ferrari has yet to agree to these changes and the source has said that Matteo is not afraid to ask for a trade away from the club if necessary to get the money he believes he deserves. 

More information to come.

Philadelphia Union, America de Cali among options for Ex-MVP David Ferreira

Via IGN.com

A source close to the situation in Philadelphia says that the Union have started talks with former FC Dallas midfielder David Ferreira.

The Union passed on the former league MVP in the second round of the Re-Entry draft but was done in mind to help keep down David's future salary. The source says the Union talked with league officials about what teams were interested in taking Ferreira in the draft and that none came up.

Although talks just started late this afternoon, Philadelphia do not want Ferreira as a Designated Player. They are looking for him to fill in this season and hopefully help recently acquired Corben Bone in his decision making on the field.

The source also said Colombian side America de Cali want Ferreira to come home. David played with the club from 2000 to 2005 and became somewhat of an icon. If David goes back to Colombia, the source says that he won't be raking in the money, as America are currently playing in the second division.

More information to follow.

MLS Re-Entry Draft Part 2 Selections

1. D.C. United - Fabian Espindola, Nana Attakora
2. Portland Timbers- Pass
3. Toronto FC- Dwayne DeRosario
4. Columbus Crew- Pass
5. FC Dallas- Pass
6. Philadelphia Union- Pass
7. Vancouver Whitecaps- Mehdi Ballouchy
8. Chicago Fire -Pass
9. San Jose Earthquakes- Shaun Francis. Brandon Barklage
10. Montreal Impact- Pass
11. Colorado Rapids-Pass
12. New England Revolution- Pass
13. Seattle Sounders- Chad Barrett, Corey Hertzog
14. LA Galaxy-Pass
15. New York Red Bulls- Pass
16. Houston Dynamo-Pass
17. Chivas USA-Pass
18. Real Salt Lake-Pass
19. Sporting Kansas City-Pass

Houllier reaches out to N'Jie, Lyon youngster has doubts

Via jht-performance.fr

MLS Transfers has learned from a source who requested anonymity at Camfoot.com, that Red Bulls Head of Global Soccer Gerard Houllier has been in contact with Lyon about the possibility of a loan spell for 20 year old forward Clinton N'Jie to the New York Red Bulls.

The source, who also helped me write my last piece on N'Jie, says that Houllier has only recently been interested in the youngster after rave reviews from the New York Red Bulls coaching staff and Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. Within the past week, Houllier put a call in to Remi Garde, manager of Lyon and asked what the status of the young Cameroonian was at the club. Garde told him that N'Jie was not for sale insisting he would be using him in European competitions for the rest of the season. Despite that news, Houllier contacted the player personally to ask of his interest. The source says N'Jie told Gerard he'd prefer to either stay and wait for playing time or go on loan for the rest of the European season to a French-speaking club.

Not a full time first team player, N'Jie has been quoted about loans in the past (check out my last article) and the source says that Clinton is frantically looking for playing time.

"Clinton knows he will be at Lyon until 2016 but doesn't want to get stuck in the shuffle at the club. He wants to break through by the end of the season and if not, then maybe then he'll be open to more loan options, especially for a club that one of his good friends (Marius Obekop) and star players (Theirry Henry, Tim Cahill) are on."

Looks like the N'Jie interest might heat up in June or July depending on where the Red Bulls are at record-wise and what the needs of the club are at the time.

-Marc Kusant (@TheRedestBull)

Mexican interest in Vancouver's Camilo

A tip from @ChrisV323 on twitter has lead us to this tweet by @FutalHorno

@FutalHorno: Wilberto Cosme Querétaro leaves and goes to Puebla. Instead reaches Gallos MLS striker Camilo Sanvezzo.

Looks like Queretaro is on the prowl for Camilo. They are not the only side looking at the Golden Boot winner as Norwegian club Rosenberg are also said to be interested.

More information soon.

Latest on Juan Agudelo

Via USAtoday.com

A source from Stoke has confirmed to MLS Transfers that  Juan Agudelo's work permit hearing is still in the mind of Mark Hughes.  He still wants the striker but knows that Juan may not want to see if he can get a work permit in March.

Agudelo has "two solid offers" overseas, one apparently being from Spanish side Valencia. The source also confirmed to MLS Transfers that Juan is confused on what to do.

"Juan wants a move to England, as that has always been his dream. At the same time, Valencia is a great option but doesn't know how much playing time he'll get there. He has another option in Europe and always can go back to MLS. He is at a crossroads at what he should do and doesn't want to rush his decision."

Another source connected to the New England Revolution has said that Mike Burns has had two talks with Juan in the past few weeks about a return to MLS. The source says that Juan has let the club know that he will let them know of his decision by the new year. 

D.C. Becoming United Once Again

Via USSoccer.com

This past week has been a busy one for D.C. United as they have added four new players to their recently depleted roster. In an offseason that has already seen their beloved superstar Dwayne De Rosario leave the club, the front office of D.C. United has vowed to turn things around for one of the most decorated franchises in MLS history.

They have picked up a couple of proven defenders in Sean Franklin and Bobby Boswell by way of the Re-Entry Draft in hopes of improving a defense that conceded 59 goals in 34 games last season. Franklin, who was a mainstay in the Galaxy lineup since winning the MLS Rookie of the year award in 2008, plays right back and can even move up to play mid if need be. Boswell brings his experience in central defense to the club that drafted him out of college back in 2005. Bill Hamid was left hung out to dry too many times last season and I believe that the addition of these veteran defenders will help United return to form. 

D.C. United has also added a pair of attacking-minded players to their roster. They traded an international slot to the Montreal Impact in exchange for  attacking-mid Davy Arnaud and signed Conor Doyle to a permanent deal from Derby County for an undisclosed amount. As captain of the Impact, Arnaud was often blamed for Montreal's lack of success and the playmaker hopes for a fresh start in our nation's capital. Doyle, an Irish-American forward who has pledged allegiance to the USMNT, looks to earn a starting spot and continue his success for United.  

With the salary cap space that D.C. United has cleared this offseason, there should be plenty more moves to come as the Black and Red now turn their attention to landing Eddie Johnson.

- Jake Vasquez (@JakeVasquez49)  

Chicago Fire talking trial with Norwich City player

Via Canaries.co.uk

Chicago Fire coach Frank Yallop has been in discussion with Norwich City over bringing 19 year old Jamar Loza in for training during the January window when the Fire start their preseason says a source.

The 19 year old signed with Norwich last January but has not appeared with the club since. He went on loan in October at League One side Coventry city where he made only one appearance.

Yallop and others on his staff have been in talks with Chris Hughton over the idea of a training/trial for the youngster for weeks. While Hughton is not on board just yet, the source says that Jamar might be looking for some substantial playing time, to show his manager that he is ready for minutes at Norwich.

During the January window, the Fire set to be training in Arizona ahead of the 2014 Desert Diamond Cup.

Mexican club were "moments" away from Eddie Johnson, DC move "100% done"

Via MLSsoccer.com

A source has confirmed to MLS Transfers that Eddie Johnson was "moments" away from joining Liga MX side Toluca this past week.

The source, who is close to the situation in Seattle said the Sounders were looking to either ship Eddie out east, or out of the country. Mexican side Toluca were offering Seattle a way out of the situation but Johnson was more than hesitant on leaving MLS with the World Cup less than 7 months away.

The source is also confirming that Eddie Johnson to DC United is "100% done" are awaiting final details on the allocation money Seattle will be receiving.

Interview with Seattle's new goalkeeper Stefan Frei

Stefan Frei is now a Seattle Sounder after today's trade from Toronto FC. The 27 year old Swiss talks to me about European options, what he's looking forward to in Seattle and US National team interest. 

Q: When did you first hear about this trade to Seattle?

A: Sigi's always told me that he'd love to have me as one of his players. While I was on my honeymoon a couple of weeks back my agent contacted me to inform me that there was a good opportunity that had come up. Needless to say I was ecstatic, a new chance with an amazing club.

Q: Any interest from any other MLS clubs?

A: Not that I knew of. I was in the process of going to Europe for tryouts, but once this chance presented itself, I couldn't turn it down.

Q: What leagues in Europe were interested in your services?

A: Due to my first language being German, we (his agent and himself) were aiming for Germany or Switzerland.

Q: Any particular teams that you were looking at?

A: No, just a team where I had a chance to progress and make a difference.

Q: Totally understandable after not finding the field much this season. Was there ever a point during the season where you thought Toronto was no longer the place for you and your future?

A: I knew that playing in a salary capped league, making a good salary and not getting a chance to get back on the pitch said it all. I was under no illusion that they still wanted me moving forward. It's also a good time in my career for a change in scenery. I spent 5 years in Toronto, I felt I was ready for a change. 

Q: What are you looking most forward to playing in Seattle?

A: Well there is the obvious answer of playing as part of a successful team in front of crazy fans, but I'm also excited to work with new coaches and teammates that I can learn from to further my game.

Q: Now I know that your second cousin Alex Frei is the Sporting Director for FC Luzern. Any talks with him to bring you in?

A: Funny thing, although I am related to him, I have actually never spoken to him. So no, there was no contact made there.

Q: Now, I know it's far away from your mind but if you got into good enough form, would you consider the US National team over your beloved Swiss?

A: Yeah, it's definitely a possibility. The US has a strong team and any player would be honored to be part of that squad.

Q: Lastly, you have come to terms with a new contract with Seattle. Can you speak about the length if the contract and your new salary?

A: I will let the league or Seattle answer that question.

-Marc Kusant (@TheRedestBull)