The New York Red Bulls have acquired Canadian national team star Dwayne DeRosario in a trade with Toronto FC, sources have confirmed to SBI.
The trade, which will send Tony Tchani, Danleigh Borman and a first round pick in 2012, will be announced this afternoon.
MLS is finalizing details on the first blockbuster trade of the new year.
No, this is not an April Fool's Joke.
Toronto FC has been shopping DeRosario for much of the off-season and found a taker in the Red Bulls, who were desperate for a star playmaker.
(UPDATE-After we first reported this trade in the afternoon it hit a snag caused by concerns over a criminal charge on the record of one of the players involved. MLS was able to sort that issue out to allow the deal to be completed later on Friday.)
DeRosario had expressed unhappiness with his contract situation with Toronto FC. New York currently has an available third Designated Player slot but it is unclear whether the Red Bulls would sign DeRosario to a DP contract.
Toronto FC adds a pair of players who can help right away in Tchani and Borman, while also adding a first-round draft pick, which technical director Paul Mariner will be able to utilize. Mariner has a track record as one of the best judges of American college talent.
The addition of DeRosario makes the Red Bulls an even stronger title contender, with a midfield now boasting Joel Lindpere, Teemu Tainio, Dane Richards and DeRosario.
What do you think of this trade?
Share your thoughts below.