Kick Off: All the latest MLS transfer news and rumors to start the new year

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:


Progress reports


With transfer and trade speculation set to kick into high gear after the holidays, Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle has filed an update on the progress of every MLS team's offseason rebuild projects to date.


Target range


In that vein, we've come up with 11 potential transfer targets that MLS clubs could land from European clubs.


Homecoming?


According to reports overseas, Chicago and Montreal have eyes for New Jersey-born Fiorentina striker Giuseppe Rossi, who is currently on loan to Celta Vigo.


Rumor mill


The word going around Spain is linking Espanyol defender Martin Demichellis with an Atlanta United move.


Rumour mill, part 2


An Ecuadorian report claims that league champs Barcelona have struck a loan-with-buy-option agreement with FC Dallas to land forward Maxi Urruti.


Junior's coming home?


Borussia Dortmund midfield prospect Junior Flores has reportedly inked an MLS deal.


I heard it through the grapevine


Italian reports have Udinese's Greece midfielder Panagiotis Kone ready to sign with the Montreal Impact.


And more grapevine...


French reports claim that Rubin Kazan's Congo midfielder Chris Mavinga has an MLS offer on the table.


Headed home


Yahoo Sports sat down with Seattle star Jordan Morris to discuss his New Year's traditions.


No show


Seattle's Joevin Jones will not be on Trinidad & Tobago's January roster after the head coach claimed that "he did not show up at all for the camp."


Then and now


To send out the old year, Sam Stejskal recaps the Top 10 stories of 2016. And to usher in the new one, Arielle Castillo looks ahead at what's in store for 2017.


Out on a limb


Sports Illustrated scribe Grant Wahl has dared to make predictions for the coming soccer year.


Reflections


Daniel Squizzato chats up new CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani about his time at the helm of the Canadian Soccer Association.


Bob talks Swansea


In his most in-depth interview to date, Bob Bradley sat down with Sports Illustrated to discuss his time at Swansea, his firing and what might be next for him. You can listen to the interview here.


MLSsoccer.com Musts:


MLS supporters' groups share New Year's resolutions
Lodeiro, Ciman make "Team of the Americas"
Check out our list of MLS podcasts