Matt Besler is a popular man these days, but despite plenty of interest from clubs around Europe, the Sporting Kansas City defender may just prefer to stay right where he is.
According to a report Thursday evening in TheKansas City Star, Besler would prefer to stay in Kansas City on a long-term deal. Besler's agent, Eddie Rock, told the paper that discussions between both parties are "at an advanced stage" and that a conclusion to the talks could be near.
Besler, 27, announced himself on the world stage with a strong showing for the US men's national team at the World Cup, missing just 45 minutes of the 390 that the US played, after picking up an injury in the team's opener against Ghana, forcing his substitution at halftime.
The 2012 MLS Defender of the Year, recently named to his third All-Star team, has been the subject of transfer interest from a few top-flight European teams. Besler himself mentioned England's Sunderland and Fulham by name earlier this week, and SC Freiburg of the Germany Bundesliga were also reportedly interested.
When contacted by MLSsoccer.com about the contract negotiations, a Sporting spokesperson said, "Robb [Heinemann, Sporting KC owner] has said all along we're committed to retaining the club's core players and Besler – as our captain – is very much a part of those plans. Both sides have been ongoing in discussions over his future."
