McBride Might Join Blackburn
United States national team forward Brian McBride, who has said he would not consider another loan to an English team, could soon receive his wish for a more permanent scenario.
Blackburn of the English Premier League reportedly is set to sign the Columbus Crew star to a three-year deal that would more than triple his salary in Major League Soccer.
The deal, according to skysports.com, is for three years at $1.4 million a season. McBride reportedly makes $341,250 with Columbus.
Because McBride, 31, is under contract with MLS through 2005, Blackburn would owe the league a considerable transfer fee. Columbus also would receive a major player allocation from MLS.
Blackburn Coach Graeme Souness has had his eye on McBride since at least October after McBride’s successful stint with Everton last spring, when he scored four goals in nine games.
If the move goes through, McBride would join U.S. teammate and Blackburn starting goalkeeper Brad Friedel.
Galaxy Moves
Left wing Antonio Martinez, who came to the Galaxy from the Dallas Burn in July in a trade, has signed a deal to play in Spain, according to ussocceruk.com.
Martinez, who grew up in Carson, reportedly has signed with Cordoba of the Spanish second division through the end of the 2004-05 season. Because Martinez’s contract with MLS ran out after last season, he would leave on a free transfer.
Because of rules pertaining to foreign players, Martinez won’t play for Cordoba until the beginning of next season.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy and New York/New Jersey MetroStars exchanged picks for Friday’s MLS draft. The Galaxy received a first-round pick (No. 3 overall) and future considerations from the MetroStars in exchange for the Galaxy’s second-round pick (No. 11 overall). The MetroStars then sent that pick to the Chicago Fire as compensation for signing Bob Bradley as its coach.
More MLS
Columbus has acquired veteran defender Robin Fraser from the Colorado Rapids for a second-round pick this season and a conditional pick in 2005.
The Crew also said that goalkeeper Tom Presthus has announced his retirement. Presthus, 28, suffered a torn ligament in his right elbow in July.
O’Brien Returning
U.S. midfielder John O’Brien is ready to return to his club, Ajax Amsterdam, from an injury that has sidelined him this season.
O’Brien, who has suffered from an Achilles’ tendon injury, hopes to be available when the Dutch league resumes play Wednesday. Coach Ronald Koeman said O’Brien would play as soon as he is in playing shape.
Quick Passes
Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo could sit out as many as six weeks because of a calf injury, according to Coach Claudio Ranieri.... England goalkeeper David James has transferred from West Ham United to Manchester City following the retirement of David Seaman on Tuesday.... Marseille, which has slumped to sixth place in the French league, has fired coach Alain Perrin and replaced him with Jose Anigo, who had been overseeing the club’s youth teams.... As expected, Birmingham City’s Christophe Dugarry received a three-match ban from the English Football Assn. for violent conduct after he elbowed Blackburn defender Craig Short in the face. Dugarry said he would not appeal the decision.... Former Italian national team player Fabrizio Ravanelli, 35, has signed a six-month contract to return to his hometown team Perugia. Ravanelli was released by Scotland’s Dundee in November.
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Times wire services contributed to this report.
