TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Report

The Chicago Fire are close to sending Orlando City SC the rights to one of their top academy prospects, according to a new report from Chicago-based journalist Paul Tenorio.

Fire product and University of North Carolina midfielder Cam Lindley has been one of the top players in college soccer over the past two NCAA seasons. But after he reportedly turned down multiple contract offers from the Fire during that time, Chicago are ready to ship his Homegrown Player rights to Orlando in exchange for fullback Rafa Ramos and allocation funds, Tenorio reported on Saturday.

As I just reported on my Periscope: Sources tell me Chicago Fire have agreed in principle to a trade sending HG rights for Cam Lindley to Orlando City in exchange for Rafa Ramos and allocation money. #MLS #OCSC #cf97 — Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) January 13, 2018

Deal is not finalized with league, but has been agreed upon by the two sides. — Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) January 13, 2018

A sophomore from Carmel, Indiana, Lindley netted seven goals and 13 assists for the Tar Heels in 2017, adding to the seven assists he contributed in 2016, his efforts helping UNC reach the College Cup semifinals in both seasons.

Ramos, 23, was one of the first signings in Orlando's MLS history, joining the Lions from Benfica ahead of their 2015 expansion debut. Hampered by injuries for much of his time in the league, the former Portuguese youth international has compiled five assists in 39 career MLS appearances.

Trading a player’s Homegrown rights in this fashion is a rarity in MLS, but not unprecedented. A year ago the New York Red Bulls traded away the rights to Adam Najem in a deal with Philadelphia, and did something similar with Bryan Gallego's rights in a 2012 transaction with Portland. Toronto FC did similarly with their rights to Kevin Aleman and Josh Janniere in previous years.