Seattle Sounders Transfer Rumor: Lucas Neill Agrees To Terms?

UPDATE II: We've been informed by the Sounders that they do, indeed, have interest in Neill, but that was all the team would say.

UPDATE: According to a Turkish website (H/T MLS-Rumors), Lucas Neill has agreed to terms with the Sounders. We're awaiting some kind of confirmation, although this still seems a bit far-fetched. Neill would seem to be a very high-priced player at a position that doesn't seem to be at the top of the Sounders' priority list. We have calls out to the appropriate places to see if we can't get some comment.

It may not be every day, but it looks like twice a week that the Seattle Sounders will be connected with a significant transfer rumor. Today, it is Lucas Neill. The Australian National Team Captain and Galatasaray centerback is connected specifically to the Seattle Sounders by Turkish site Fanatik (h/t KevinAirs442 - Australia). Neill is likely best known in the United States for his club time with Blackburn, West Ham and Everton.

At 33 years old, not a striker, and without a huge marketing appeal he seems like an odd addition to MLS. He is reported to be vacationing/working in the USA and is conversing with MLS about joining the league. Seattle is a team that could use depth at right back, where Neill has experience but wouldn't need a centerback, even at his level, unless they are trading one of their quality players there already.

Neill is embroiled in controversy from the last World Cup when reports surfaced that he lead a player revolt. He will not be in the future plans of the national team any way, but it could be seen why he would not be going back to the A-League, where he would have to be a Marquee Player. There is a slightly higher salary cap in MLS than the A-League, but this looks like a move for one last contract and not the type of player to which Seattle is usually attached.

The Sounders will continue to find themselves connected to players as they are fairly rich (for global football), have the space to sign a big name and have a certain level of fame. In 99% of cases these connections will be leverage to earn players big money elsewhere. Hello silly season, where you are a featured part.