Caleb Folan may be closing in on becoming a Colorado Rapid.
According to Hull City manager Nigel Pearson, the club is close to finalizing a deal that would allow the English-born Irish international striker to join Gary Smith’s squad on a free transfer.
"Hopefully, the deal will be concluded over the weekend,” Pearson told BBC Radio on Thursday. "Whenever you're dealing with the MLS, there's a bit more paperwork to be done but we're very close to doing the deal.”
The 6-foot-2 Folan has been trialing with the Rapids over the past month and joined the team during its preseason swing through Arizona, where he scored a goal in a scrimmage with the LA Galaxy last week.
Colorado coaches and players alike have been impressed with the forward’s skill on the ball and ease with which he has jelled within camp. Smith has paired the 28-year-old with both of his star strikers, Conor Casey and Omar Cummings, and has repeatedly stated he’d like to keep Folan in a Rapids shirt.
“We remain extremely positive,” Smith told the Rapids’ official website last week. “Caleb’s fit in terrifically with the group and he’s shown us that the qualities he has would be a very, very good addition for our team."
Folan is still under contract with Hull City, but all indications are that the second-division club would allow him out of his contract as the striker has fallen down the depth chart.
“We want him here, it sounds like the player is excited to be here, and Hull City have been very helpful throughout this process," said Smith. "All in all, we’ll keep our fingers crossed and hope that there’s some agreement we can come to.”
Colorado declined to comment on the specific report but maintained they are optimistic a deal can be reached.
<p><em><strong>Check out the Feb. 24 edition of the <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/extratime" target="_blank">ExtraTime Radio podcast</a>, featuring D.C. United's Charlie Davies, </strong></em><strong><em>Real Salt Lake's Nick Rimando and league executive Nelson Rodriguez</em></strong> <em><strong>talking about the new playoff structure.</strong></em></p>
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