Photo by John Todd/ISIphotos.com
By FRANCO PANIZO
Jermaine Jones might be joining MLS after all. It just might not be with one of the LA-based clubs.
Chicago Fire head coach Frank Yallop confessed to reporters following his side’s goalless draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday that the Fire are interested in signing Jones this summer. Yallop did not offer many other details but it is all but guaranteed that the 32-year-old Jones will require a Designated Player deal, especially after his strong showing at this summer’s World Cup with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
“We have interest in the player for sure,” Yallop told reporters. “We’ve spoken to the agent, but at this point there’s nothing to add until someone agrees or it gets concluded. The truth of the matter is we have interest in the player but nothing has been finalized yet. That’s all I can say on it for now.”
The tough-as-nails, experienced midfielder has been linked with MLS for weeks now. A free agent with a home in Los Angeles, Jones was widely expected to land with either the LA Galaxy or Chivas USA.
Chicago, however, is apparently the frontrunner in the Jones sweepstakes right now and could be adding some much-needed grit and tenacity to a club that has played to a league-leading 12 ties through 20 matches so far.
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What do you think of the Fire’s interest in Jones? Do you see them signing him in the coming days? How would Jones fare under Yallop in Chicago?
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