Greek club Aris FC are attempting to swing a deal to land erstwhile loan striker Eddie Johnson from Fulham on a full transfer, MLSsoccer.com has learned.
While on loan in Thessaloniki this past spring, the US international bagged five goals in 15 Greek Super League matches, and then added three more in the European qualification playoffs to co-top that scoring chart.
“If it's possible, we can take him," Aris press officer Kristanthos Tsaltidis told MLSsoccer.com. "But he belongs to Fulham, so we must take him. We are negotiating."
While the Greek club would not comment on Freddy Adu's situation, MLSsoccer.com has also learned that Aris are in the midst of talks to re-work his loan deal.
Earlier this week, the club stated that they might soon cut short the 21-year old attacker's loan deal and send him back to Benfica.
Manager Hector Cuper made it known that Adu was not in his plans, leaving him out of their preseason trip to Austria—but it appears there is a financial caveat and that the American could remain at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium at a lesser cost.
"He is still practicing in Thessaloniki," stated Tsaltidis, who would not discuss negotiations.
Last season, Adu notched a goal and two assists in nine league matches for Aris after arriving in January.
Aris will kick off the 2010-11 campaign with the Europa League third round of qualifying in late July before starting the new league term in August.
