On the heels of a report linking Ligue 1 midfielder Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi to MLS, news emerged Thursday that the San Jose Earthquakes may be the team targeting the AC Ajaccio captain.
ESPNFC.com’s Jeff Carlisle tweeted that he has confirmed a report in the French Football News saying that the Earthquakes are making a push for the French midfielder.
When contacted by MLSsoccer.com, a representative from the Earthquakes declined to comment. Ajaccio confirmed on their own website Monday that Pierazzi, 28, was in negotiations with MLS.
"The club has decided not to oppose his departure: It is very likely that Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi will leave the ACA at the beginning of the month of January," the website stated. "AC Ajaccio will keep in memory the proud and loyal service of his emblematic captain."
The team release first reported he was in talks with the Chicago Fire but later recanted, saying that was an error.
Pierazzi’s first three seasons with Ajaccio were spent in Ligue 2. They earned promotion for the for the 2011-12 campaign, during which Pierazzi made 32 starts to lead them to a 16th-place finish. In 67 appearances (53 starts) over the past two-and-a-half seasons, Pierazzi hasn’t recorded an assist or goal.
This season, Ajaccio are currently in danger of relegation with just nine points from 19 games.
