If the latest chatter is to be believed, only one thing is keeping the Sounders from sealing the capture of striker Obafemi Martins.
According to reports, terms with the player have been agreed to, but Spanish club Levante is demanding that the player's release clause be paid before the prospective Designated Player makes a move to MLS.
Martins, for his part, seems to be confident the deal will get done, and BBC Sport is reporting the contract could be signed as early as Saturday, when Seattle open their season at home against Montreal (10:30 pm ET, watch LIVE online).
"We are on the verge of finalizing everything and it should be another step in my career," Martins told BBC Sport. "I'm happy because Levante will benefit from this and it will also help the club financially. What the American club has offered is a good deal for everyone involved."
READ: Sounders say they're closing in on transfer of Obafemi Martins
In order to add Martins to the roster, Seattle must free up one of their three DP spots, which are currently occupied by Mauro Rosales, Shalrie Joseph and Christian Tiffert. Tiffert has not been in preseason camp with the team, reportedly because of an undisclosed injury, and is the prohibitive favorite to have his contract bought out by the club.
At time of publication, the Sounders had not yet responded to MLSsoccer.com's request for comment.
Through 22 games with Levante this season, Martins has scored eight goals for the Valencia-based club. He's also played for Inter Milan, Newcastle, Birmingham City, Wolfsburg and Rubin Kazan during his professional career.
