BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. – Frank Yallop admitted that the Chicago Fire have “interest in the player” but declined to confirm the growing rumors that US national team midfielder Jermaine Jones was set to sign for the club.
Jones has been linked with several MLS clubs since his standout performance for the USMNT at the World Cup, but rumors of a possible move to the Toyota Park club gained momentum today when ESPN’s Alexi Lalas said during halftime of RSL’s draw vs. the New York Red Bulls that Jones was on the verge of signing for the Fire.
Lalas’ report seems to confirm an earlier scoop by ChicagoNow.com, which broke on Tuesday.
However, Yallop insisted nothing has been finalized and that the club are not ready to announce any signings.
“We have interest in the player for sure,” Yallop said of Jones to reporters after his side’s 0-0 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. “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.”
Captain Jeff Larentowicz, who was switched from his familiar center midfield role to center back in a move that would make perfect sense with Jones’ arrival, admitted it would be a great coup to sign a player of Jones’ stature and experience.
“He’s a good player, we’d love to have good players at the club, so if that’s the truth then great,” Larentowicz said. “He’s got tons of experience, it’s good to have experienced guys, to have guys with strong character. I’ve been around him for very little but he’s a very good player, he’s a tough guy that would help. I think wherever he goes he will do well in this league.”
