Real Salt Lake may be one step closer to getting their man up front after English outfit Nottingham Forest announced Monday that they have parted ways with Robbie Findley by mutual consent.
The split clears the way for a possible move back to MLS for Findley, who started his career with the LA Galaxy but enjoyed the vast majority of his success with Real Salt Lake before leaving for Forest after the 2010 season. The speedy forward scored 29 goals in 96 appearances over three-and-a-half seasons for RSL, and scored the vital equalizer in the team's MLS Cup 2009 win over the Galaxy.
Despite his imminent departure from the league, the Portland Timbers selected him in the 2010 Expansion Draft and still hold his rights. However, reports surfaced last week that the Timbers had traded the 27-year-old's rights back to RSL.
Real Salt Lake GM Garth Lagerwey told ESPN 700 radio last week that if Findley were released from his Forest contract, there would be "a real good chance" the MLS club could land him back at Rio Tinto Stadium.
RSL declined to comment when contacted by MLSsoccer.com on Monday.
Findley, who featured for the US men's national team in the 2010 World Cup and has yet to score in 11 games at the international level, endured a disappointing spell in England, making 25 league appearances and scoring three goals in an injury-riddled two years with Forest. He recently had a brief loan spell with League Two side Gillingham, with whom he made seven appearances, scoring no goals.
