Gang,
Here is my latest article on Tribalfootball.
ENJOY!!!!!

http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=17886

With the MLS season ending and European season in full swing it is a good time to consider which U.S. based players should be on the short list for possible moves abroad in the January transfer window. The quality of the league here in the U.S. is on the rise and with the number of European clubs playing matches in North America in the summer increasing yearly, there is a growing appreciation for U.S. based talent. The number of players that have made the leap to Europe has grown in recent years and includes not only U.S. players but players from across the continents who have plied their trade in the MLS. The success attained by players like former DC United stars Ryan Nelson (New Zealand) and Bobby Convey (a star of Team USA) seems to bode well for others seeking to try their luck in Europe. If I was a coach in the English Premier League or another decent European league I would contemplate making a serious run at these three attacking players: Freddy Adu Yes, all the hype suggests that he is going to make a move to a big club in Europe sooner rather than later but I have a feeling that he would consider a move to teams beyond Chelsea, Manchester Utd and Real Madrid. Aston Villa, backed by Lerner, may be interested in signing Freddy and Martin Jol's Spurs should also be interested in a player who could plug the gap on Tottenham's left. Freddy has definitely improved as a player over the course of the last year or so. He is stronger and has improved his reading of the game and running off the ball. I'd like to see him increase his stamina and be a bit more aggressive in chasing down lost causes and harrying defenders trying to carry the ball out of the opposition's defensive third of the pitch. If I was a coach in the English Premier League (EPL) I'd consider a bid in the $5-7 million range.

Clint Dempsey

Reports/rumors suggest that Dempsey was very unhappy when he saw a deal to Charlton Athletic, of the EPL, fall through at the 11th hour during the summer. It seems that he is coming to the end of his contract with MLS - one that sees him ply his trade in New England. A move to the EPL is certainly a real possibility for Clint and I think that he would be a very good fit for Newcastle or Portsmouth. Clint is an aggressive attacking player and showed during the last World Cup that he has the confidence in his own ability needed to finish emphatically in high pressure games. I have a feeling that he would come into his own at Newcastle and would be a good collaborator with a player like Scott Parker.

If I was at Newcastle or Portsmouth I'd think about parting with $3-5 million in January to ensure no one else got him on a free transfer in the summer.

Josmer Altidore

I had read about Josmer before I saw him live in the recent game between Red Bull New York and DC United - he scored a goal and played well throughout. He is physical and seems to be quick with a nice touch. I was surprised to read that he is only 5-10. Although Josmer only just turned 17 years old I would be very keen to take a close look at him with a view to securing his signature if I worked for a European club. In certain respects he would be the first one out of the three that I would consider buying. Josmer may be ideally suited to a team like Tottenham or Arsenal - sides building a core of young talent and are seemingly willing to give these players a chance.

If I was the coach of Spurs or Arsenal I'd think about a bid of $5-7 million for Josmer.

Of course, coaches in Europe must come and scout the players out themselves or offer them trials within or outside the U.S. There is a lot of talent in the MLS that would not be out of place in Europe.