MLS ROUNDUP (MLS NEWS & OBSERVATIONS)

* The Chicago Fire have been clearing some of their higher salaries this off season (Tony Sanneh, Zach Thorton, Andy Herron, Nate Jaqua), leaving many with the idea that something big is in the works. A return of Brian Mcbride to his hometown has been mentioned, as has a move for Pavel Nedved from Juventus.

* DC United is apparently set to sign Luciano Emilio a Brazilian forward based in the Honduran League. Apparently DCU have shown interest in the past but did not secure his signing. The signing of Brazilain right back Ruy has apparently stalled.

* US International Frankie Hejduk was rumoured heading back to Germany to play for FC Koln a couple of weeks ago may be close to re-signing a contract with Columbus.

* There is talk that the LA Galaxy is looking to "rebrand" - change their logo & uniforms. Lets just hope MLS looks at simplicity for once in their uniform design. The best sellers on a world level are never very fancy (R.Madrid, ManU, Chelsea). Keep it simple.

* The LA Galaxy collected $250,000 in allocations on Friday leading some to suspect that they will be making another move or two. Eddie Lewis currently with Leeds United has been mentioned as a target. Lewis once of the San Jose Clash of MLS has roots in the LA Area. I wonder if Frank Yallop has any interest in bringing back former Beckham mates Jovan Kirovski (a former Galaxy player) or Terry Cooke both now playing with the Colorado Rapids, both played alongside Becks with the Manchester United youth teams.

* What will become of US International John O'Brien. Injuries have slowed his career but one would think the former Ajax player too good not to be on roster come April (perhaps an incentive based contract is what will be required).

* Throw Ecuadorian Augustin Delgado into the New York Red Bull rumour mill. New York was said to be making a play for the likes of Brazilian Ronaldo, however interest appears to be coming from the middle east and Seria A. Regardless of what Bruce Arena mentioned about the Ivan De La Pena possibility the Red Bull organization has shown interest in him. Whether it was for their Salzburg team under coaches Trappatoni / Mattaues or for New York is unknown, however it was confirmed by a Toronto native who has close ties to the Austrian league.

* The New York Bulls have gone Dutch with the move for Dave Van Den Bergh (who may not count as a SI because he is married to an American), and the apparent signing of Ronald Wattereus. One has to wonder why Bruce feels the need to bring in a over the hill keeper in a country full of promise at that position. Notable foreign keepers who have played in the MLS over the years Thomas Ravelli, Walter Zenga, Jorge Campos, and perhaps one of the biggest flops in MLS history Englishman Chris Woods. Hold on I missed Canadian Pat Onstad - one of the best keepers in MLS history.

* Manchester City's Claudio Reyna is also said to be close to heading home to play in New Jersey.

* I have been informed that Honduran Samuel Cabellero is apparently looking to come back to MLS. The former Seria A player who was with Chicago a couple of years ago, and was training in Colorado last spring, is currently in China. Cabellero like Paulo Wanchope is said to hold a US Green Card which makes him attractive as he would count as a domestic player. Who would be willing to pick Cabellero is unknown. Cabellero was once regarded as one of the top defenders in North & Central America.