After heavily-pursuing the purchase of a professional soccer franchise, former Phoenix Suns point guard and avid soccer supporter Steve Nash and Suns owner Robert Sarver are nearing that very reality in Spain.

According to ESPN FC, Sarver has organized a consortium, with Nash serving as an integral figure, that is looking to purchase Segunda Division side Real Club Deportivo Mallorca. The club’s current owner, German Utz Claassen, is reportedly looking for someone new to step in and take over the team, and has set up a share option campaign to ensure that that occurs.

This news isn’t the first of its kind linking Nash and Sarver to a soccer team. The two were close to purchasing Spanish side Levante back in August, but the deal ultimately fell through. Nash already serves as a minority owner for Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps, but the ex-NBA star and his partner clearly have higher goals in sight.

ITURBE JOINS BOURNEMOUTH ON LOAN

Last year’s English Championship winners AFC Bournemouth have reportedly added a much needed reinforcement in the club’s hopes of remaining in the English Premier League next season.

The club confirmed on Friday the signing of Roma forward Juan Iturbe on a loan deal. The 22-year old will be eligible to join Eddie Howe’s pending approval from the Football Association and the granting of a work permit.

Additionally, Bournemouth hold the right to make a permanent switch for Iturbe should the English side decide to do so at seasons’ end.

Iturbe began his playing career with Paraguay’s Cerro Porteño, before moving to Portugese side Porto at age 18. The youngster has also seen time with River Plate and Italy’s Verona on separate loan contracts.

Bournemouth has finally got into a grove in the Premier League, taking points in five of the club’s last six matches.

URUGUAY’S SANCHEZ NAMED SOUTH AMERICA PLAYER OF YEAR

For the first time in two decades, a Uruguayan has been named Rey de America, awarded yearly to South America’s best soccer player.

Uruguay international and River Plate midfielder Carlos Sanchez received the accolade on Friday, beating out the likes of Boca Juniors forward Carlos Tevez and Emelec’s Miller Bolanos.

The 31-year old helped guide River Plate to the 2015 Copa Libertadores title, which gave the club the opportunity to participate in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

Sanchez departed the Argentine club in November, though, linking up with Liga MX side Monterrey on a three-year contract.

ATLETICO ADDS CELTA VIGO MIDFIELDER FERNANDEZ

Atletico Madrid bolstered its midfield on Friday, adding Argentine and Celta Vigo player Augusto Fernandez.

According to Goal USA, the 29-year old’s deal is a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Fernandez began his playing career in his native Argentina, competing for River Plate in 2006. The veteran midfielder returned home to South America in 2010 with Velez Sarsfield, following an unsuccessful stint with Ligue 1 side Saint-Etienne.

Atleti’s latest addition made his name in Spain though, appearing in over 100 matches for Celta Vigo and helping the club rise to fifth in the La Liga table in 2015.

Jose Luis Perez Caminero, Atletico’s sporting director, told the club’s official website, “He’s a player of proven experience in La Liga, who will bring quality and competition to a great midfield such as ours. His signing will help us to face the demands of having to play three competitions.”

QUICK KICKS

Former Mexico manager Miguel Herrera is ready for 2016 with Tijuana. (REPORT)

Watford star Odion Ighalo has reportedly shunned Atletico Madrid to remain in English Premier League. (REPORT)

Louie Van Gaal says 2015 was a “very good year” for Manchester United. (REPORT)

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic believes Dimitri Payet is comparable to Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil. (REPORT)