Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:
Fire, Loons chasing Nguyen?
Could another veteran MLS playmaker be on the move? Sam Stejskal reports that New England string puller Lee Nguyen has requested a trade. Though the Revs seem averse to trading the 31-year-old, it appears they've already held some talks with Chicago over the matter. READ MORE | WATCH VIDEO
Following up on that news, reports out of Minnesota indicate MNUFC are also interested in Nguyen's services. READ MORE
McCarty signs fresh Fire deal
Over in Chicago, the Fire have stabilized their midfield by inking an extension with skipper Dax McCarty. The veteran is now tied to the club through next season, with an option for 2020. READ MORE
Revs, NYCFC sign fresh cogs
New England enhanced their rear guard on Thursday, picking up defensive midfielder Wilfried Zahibo. The 24-year-old, who came up through Valencia's youth ranks, last played for La Liga 2 side Gimnastic. READ MORE
Elsewhere, New York City FC have added to their defense stable by nabbing 23-year-old Benin defender Cedric Hountondji on a free transfer. READ MORE
Virginia's Opoku joins GA class
With the 2018 adidas MLS Player Combine matches due to kick off on Saturday, the league has added new Generation adidas signing Edward Opoku to the invite list and announced all four team rosters for the talent showcase event. READ MORE
USMNT back to business
Though the aim of this year's January camp was altered by unexpected circumstances, US interim boss Dave Sarachan says he's trying best he can to foster a a "business as usual" mentality in the group as they gear up to a friendly against visiting Bosnia toward the end of the month. READ MORE
One of the players in camp, Walker Zimmerman, says he actually sensed a change coming prior to his trade from FC Dallas to expansion outfit LAFC. READ MORE
Nikolic nets top Hungary prize
Chicago Fire goal monster Nemanja Nikolic was honored as Hungary's Player of the Year on Thursday. The Fire man scored 24 times to take the 2017 MLS Golden Boot, and scored in both of his international caps last year. READ MORE
A Park grows in Portland
FourFourTwo takes a look at how Portland is adding 4,000 seats and a whole new level of game day experience to Providence Park. READ MORE
Exports: ManU in pole position for Pulisic?
After sweeping the top USMNT awards by picking up the Futbol de Primera Player of the Year prize, Borussia Dortmund ace Christian Pulisic was the subject of an Independent report claiming Manchester United have an inside track on rivals Liverpool if the young attacker goes up for bid this coming summer. READ MORE
US youth international Josh Sargent is apparently moving quickly up the Werder Bremen ladder. The crafty forward isn't even able to sign his pro deal with the club until late February, but has already been invited to first-team training next week. READ MORE
Finally, national team fans have some good news in the wake of the Jonathan Gonzalez defection. Bayern Munich II winger Timothy Tillman is set to take part in his first US Under-20 camp in March. The 19-year-old attacker has previously suited up for Germany youth sides. READ MORE
