Sounders still looking at “three or four” transfer targets

The MLS summer transfer window opens on July 4 and remains open until Aug. 3. All signs point to the Seattle Sounders signing at least one player during that time and perhaps more than that.

Sounders Sporting Director Chris Henderson and radio announcer Matt Johnson were on KJR Thursday and gave further indications toward that end.

"There's three to four guys the club is looking at," Johnson said.

Henderson then added: "One thing that I can add is that we want to bring in players that can improve players on the team right now. Adding a top quality player can help the players that are here now. We think the players can be automatic starters on the team."

Henderson also said the players they are targeting are in the 26-28 age range.

Two players who have been closely linked to the Sounders in recent weeks have been Nicolas Lodeiro of Boca Juniors and Sebastian Blanco of Argentina’s San Lorenzo. There have been mixed messages about Lodeiro, who at least appears to be staying with Boca Juniors until the end of Copa Libertadores. (Update: It appears the Sounders have recently submitted a new offer for Lodeiro.)

But Blanco’s situation is a bit different, as it appears to be mostly about money.

Roughly translated, this report backs up previous reports that San Lorenzo has declined the Sounders’ initial transfer offer, but are holding out for more. The Sounders have apparently not raised their offer, though.

It’s at least possible the Sounders could be trying to sign both players. Lodeiro is primarily a center mid who can also play outside. Blanco is more of a winger who has sometimes played as a center mid.