Midweek reports linked Panamanian forward Ricardo Clarke to Columbus, but it seemed as if Clarke's current club Zamora FC had rejected Crew SC's bid.

Those transfer prospects were boosted this morning when a picture of Clarke shaking hands with Crew SC's Director of Soccer Operations Asher Mendelsohn appeared on social media. The picture was tweeted from what appears to be Clarke's representative's account.

Ricardo Grueso junto a Ricardo Clarke y Asher Mendelsonh Director of Soocer Operarions de Columbus Crew pic.twitter.com/OKHFF293NV — RG Football Agency (@RGrueso) January 30, 2016

It certainly confirms that there has been contact between the two parties and a deal may be close at hand. This would suggest that Zamora FC agreed to the latest bid and allowed talks between the player and Crew SC.

Clarke has played on the wings, but has also featured at forward. He scored for Zamora FC on Thursday evening. Crew SC has Kei Kamara and Conor Casey currently on the roster at forward. The team is also very deep at both wing positions with recent signing Emil Larsen joining Ethan Finlay, Justin Meram, and Cedrick Mabwati as key players on both sides.

Clarke would likely take up an international roster slot if signed. Crew SC currently has a single spot open after Larsen's recent arrival.