Orlando City already have one big name Designated Player in Brazilian superstar Kaka. But could another one not be too far behind?
A report by Massimo Balsamo of CalcioNews24.com claims that the 2015 MLS expansion club has been in contact with English left back Ashley Cole, who plays for AS Roma in Italy.
"The ex-England national team player could head to Major League Soccer in January," read the Italian report. "There has been contact between the player's representatives and Orlando City ... an agreement has not been reached, but there is a desire to continue to negotiate."
OCSC have never discussed specific names, but club GM Paul McDonough told the Orlando Sentinel in November that the clubs was "in negotiations with four international players, including at least one who could become the team's second designated signing."
Cole was acquired by AS Roma in the summer transfer window, but his play thus far in the Italian Serie A has been criticized and, according to CalcioNews24.com, "Roma would not oppose the Englishman's departure given his salary."
But Roma coach Rudi Garcia is saying all the right things when it comes to Cole: "I have no problem whatsoever with Cole," the Frenchman told reporters this weekend. "He remains an important player for us."
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