Obafemi Martins Attracts MLS Attention
Levante’s Obafemi Martins (Nigeria) is the focus of attention for Major League Soccer club Seattle Sounders ahead of the new football season in the United States of America.
Martins is being courted by the three-time US Open Cup champions to fortify their attack as the new season commences in March.
Obagoal moved to Spain in the summer and has been a hit at the club, where he took a massive pay cut in order to find regular playing time, after a tough time in Russia playing for Rubin Kazan. He has scored seven goals in the league and two in Europe for the Valencia-based club.
Martins will play against former club Rubin Kazan in next month’s Europa League round of 16 clash after which he is expected to complete his move to the US.
Seattle Sounders sent an official to meet with the club during last weekend’s La Liga clash with Osasuna.
The player’s agents, even though not denying the move, told Goal.com that they’re still waiting for events to unfold before outright confirmation is given.
The 28 year-old is expected to move to the US as Sounders attempt to trigger his three million Euro release clause. Martins will be signed under the Designated Player Rule (DPR) which allows stars from abroad to be paid higher than the approved MLS salary cap for players.
The DPR was first used when David Beckham was brought to the MLS by the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Owned majorly by Hollywood producer Joe Roth, the Seattle Sounders will represent the US in the Concacaf Champions League 2012/13 season alongside the LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and Houston Dynamo.
Source: Vanguard News
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