Americans Abroad: The latest transfer news

After losing 4-1 against Brazil on Wednesday, the U.S. continued to slump with a 0-0 draw with Canada on Sunday night. Off the pitch, it was a rather interesting week in the transfer rumor mill as several stories circulated that directly or indirectly involved U.S. National Team members.

Jermaine Jones: Long-time Chelsea winger Salomon Kalou was released by the London outfit on Friday and is reportedly looking to sign with German club Schalke 04. The Ivory Coast native, who has scored over 50 goals for Chelsea over the last six years, would join American Jermaine Jones among others, to form a pretty potent midfield. With the Bundesliga outfit set to participate in the Champion’s League next season, Kalou would have the opportunity to face off against his former club.

Clint Dempsey: New Liverpool boss Brendan Rogers is rumored to be interested in Dempsey. While Liverpool certainly has the big name appeal that Dempsey reportedly craves, the Merseyside club did not qualify for European competition heading in the 2012-13 campaign, which could be a detriment to the Reds courting process.

Michael Bradley: Updating a note from last week, Napoli and Palermo have added their names to the list of clubs looking to land Chievo Verona’s Michael Bradley this summer. Both Inter Milan and Roma have expressed interest in the ferocious midfielder labeled “General” by Verona supporters. Bradley was one of the bright spots against Brazil last week, setting up the only American goal.

Maurice Edu: Turkish club Trabzonspor are reportedly set to make a bid for Rangers midfielder Maurice Edu. The former Toronto FC star took a 75 percent wage decrease last season so that Rangers could continue competing, however, there is a $460,000 out clause in his contract that would allow him to leave the struggling club. Trabzonspor placed third in the Turkish Super Lig last season and can offer Edu Europa League competition as an incentive.

The U.S. will open World Cup qualifying on Friday night against Antigua and Barbuda in what should be a rather winnable contest.


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