Photo by Michael Janosz/ISIphotos.com
As we wind down the end of the first full week after the World Cup, the rumor mills on both sides of the pond are working at full tilt.
MLS isn't being left out, with rumors left and right about who may be coming and going.
Here are some of the more interesting rumors and news developments making the rounds:
Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts let spill in a recent interview that the Los Angeles Galaxy are signing Ronaldinho. The subject of several transfer rumors in recent days, Ronaldinho was supposedly returning to AC Milan, but with the fresh Galaxy rumor, you wonder whether Ronaldinho is ready to re-unite with good friend David Beckham and spend some time in LA.
Meanwhile, in Chicago…
The Chicago Fire are going to announce a Designated Player signing on Saturday. Buzz in the Windy City is that the club is set to unveil BOTH Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Nery Castillo. That sounds a bit far-fetched, with one of the two a more likely acquisition. If the Fire can land both, it'll create tons of buzz, but will also create the possibility for some serious chemistry issues. If the Fire can sign either Castillo or Blanco, it could give the Chicago attack a sorely-needed boost.
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MLS commissioner Don Garber's comments about the league not planning to sell Landon Donovan caused a stir, but they shouldn't have. Why would MLS want to make it seem like they want to sell their best commodity? Doesn't really help his value, does it? Those wondering if Garber is serious need only remember his comments from February of 2009, when he said David Beckham wouldn't be going on loan to AC Milan.
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A bit of good news for U.S. national team fans came courtesy of goalkeeper Tim Howard, who told the Associated Press he is ready stay with the national team through the next World Cup cycle. There had been some stories suggesting he was considering retirement, but that was never really the case. At just 31 years of age, Howard wasn't about to walk away from the national team when he still has plenty of years left to be the national team's top goalkeeper.
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Lost in the midst of all the transfer rumors was the news that D.C. United parted ways with former MLS MVP Luciano Emilio. The Brazilian striker always seemed like a desperation signing by D.C. and managed to play just four regular season matches after joining the team in May.
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What do you think of these developments? Hoping the Ronaldinho rumor is true? Think a Blanco-Castillo tandem would make the Fire contenders, or doom them to implode? Relieved to see Howard back for 2014?
Share your thoughts below.