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The interest in Stuart Holden just keeps on growing and the chances of him returning to MLS in 2010 continue to shrink.
Burnley became the newest EPL team linked to a move for the U.S. national team midfielder as he heads toward the January transfer window ready to field offers as a free agent. Holden is out of contract and holds a UK passport, making him an ideal transfer target for English clubs looking to boost their chances of improving in the second half of the season.
And the Houston Dynamo? The club has made improved offers to Holden, but simply can't compete with the type of offers Holden is receiving from England. The Dynamo is holding out hope that Holden chooses to stay in MLS, but each passing day makes it appear more likely that he will be the latest American to make the move across the Atlantic.
Onalfo a good pick for D.C.
Curt Onalfo is already being labeled a re-tread by some D.C. United fans disappointed in his appointment as the team's new head coach, but the label is a bit unfair for a coach who enjoyed his share of success in his only other head coaching job.
Onalfo took over a severely underachieving Kansas City team that had missed the playoffs two straight seasons and helped the Wizards reach the Western Conference final in his first season. The club improved its record in year two before falling to eventual champions Columbus in a hard-fought first-round series. Kansas City struggled in year three under Onalfo, but the Wizards pulled the plug on Onalfo's tenure before he had a chance to salvage the season.
Onalfo is young, well-respected and takes over a D.C. team with much more attacking talent than he ever had in Kansas City. If he can succeed in building a suitable defense and help D.C. United's dangerous attack find some consistency, Onalfo should enjoy as successful a first year in D.C. as he had in Kansas City.
Lastly, those wondering when Onalfo will get his chance to face the club that fired him. D.C. United opens its season against Kansas City on March 27th.
Beasley sidelined
Maurice Edu made his successful return from knee surgery last weekend, but not all news was good news for Americans in Scotland. DaMarcus Beasley missed Rangers' 4-1 win vs. Hibernian with a thigh injury picked up in training. He was expected to miss two to three weeks, but Beasley stated on his Twitter account that the injury wasn't as bad as first thought and that he could be back training by the end of this week. He will be hoping to be back in time for Rangers' showdown vs. Celtic on Jan. 2.
Capello gives Beckham World Cup boost
Just when you thought David Beckham's hopes of making the England World Cup team were 50/50 at best, now comes word from England manager Fabio Capello thathe will include Beckham if Beckham is fit and playing regularly for AC Milan, which he is set to join on loan.
'I don't look at age, I look at qualities and Beckham has lots. He's serious, he's a great professional and the World Cup is incredibly important to him," Capello said of Beckham.
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What do you think of Holden's situation? Think there's any realistic chance he comes back to MLS? Looking forward to the pre-game handshake between Peter Vermes and Curt Onalfo when KC meets D.C. in the season opener? Relieved to hear Beasley's injury isn't that serious?
Share your thoughts below.