UPDATE: The Sounders confirmed the date change, but offered no other details as to why the change was made.

It would appear the Seattle Sounders may be getting close to announcing details of their summer friendly. A league source has confirmed to Sounder at Heart what Michael C. Lewis originally tweeted that the Sounders' home game against Real Salt Lake will be moved from July 18 to Oct. 17 in order to accomodate an international friendly.

Team official says #RSL game at Seattle on July 18 is going to be moved to Oct. 17 ... evidently to make room for int'l friendly.

— Michael C. Lewis (@MCLTribune) February 8, 2012

Among the European clubs that are believed to be making summer tours are Liverpool, Chelsea, AS Roma, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Celtic. The Sounders have previously played Celtic and Chelsea. Two years ago, they were largely believed to have been in negotiations with Real Madrid.

From a competitive perspective, this change would probably have a neutral effect on the schedule. As it stands now, the Sounders would have to play RSL just three days after a match in New York. Moving the July 18 game would create a 13-day gap between competitive matches. The Oct. 17 date would come a day after the fourth and final international break. It would also close a 14-day gap between competitive matches, 10 days after a home match against the Portland Timbers and four days before a home match against FC Dallas.

Who would you like to see the Sounders play?