Tiffert's Sounders career is cut short after joining the team last July, clearing the way for the potential addition of Obafemi Martins.

One way or another, it appears the Obafemi Martins-transfer saga will be settled next week, but Levante is telling reporters that the Sounders have dropped out of the bidding.

Christian Tiffert tells German media that he didn't intend to take anything less than the full amount remaining on his two-and-a-half year contract.

The San Jose Earthquakes were interested in Cato for some time. Today they officially acquired the young forward/winger.

There are no indications that the Sounders have ended their pursuit of Martins, but reports out of Spain suggest Levante is attempting to drag this out as long as possible.

Assuming there are no more complications, the final papers are expected to be signed on Saturday.

While the deal between Martins, Levante, Sounders and MLS is not done yet it is quite close according to Plaza Deportiva.

Seattle Sounders GM/owner Adrian Hanauer spoke to a large media contingent after practice Tuesday at Starfire. During the conversation he talked on the record about the club's quest to acquire Obafemi Martins, which could happen soon.

Via Terra.com we learn that Martins told Radio Cadena SER Valencia that he has a contract offer from the Seattle Sounders and could even leave Levante this weekend.

According to one report Martins has a release clause set at roughly four million dollars. That isn't a lot of money for this club.