Cameron's cleats to be filled by Clark

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On the cusp of sending a player to Europe for the third time in franchise history, the Dynamo are welcoming back the team's first star who bolted to Germany. Former U.S. national team midfielder Ricardo Clark is coming back.

The Dynamo finalized an agreement with Clark, pending the receipt of an international certificate, the Chronicle has learned.

"I can confirm that we are in pursuit of signing Ricardo Clark," Dynamo president Chris Canetti said. "It continues to be an ongoing process. It will probably take a few more days before we have a final conclusion to the matter."

The club must figure out a way to fit Clark, 29, under the MLS salary cap. Because U.S. national team star Geoff Cameron will remain on the roster until he gets a UK work permit to seal his move to Stoke City of the English Premier League, the team doesn't have budget space to add Clark at this time.

Cameron doesn't have enough international appearances to qualify for an automatic UK work visa. He must receive a waiver to play in the EPL. That hearing isn't scheduled until Aug. 8.

Clark, a midfielder who left the Dynamo to play in Germany after the 2009 season, was one of the franchise's most important players over the team's first four seasons. Although he was suspended during the 2006 and 2007 MLS Cup finals, he was a key part of those two championship teams.

Because he was such an important piece, the Dynamo actually held on to Clark during the 2009 summer transfer period so he could help them make a run at another title despite knowing they likely would lose him on a free transfer. After that season, Clark signed with Eintracht Frankfurt of the German Bundesliga, and Stu Holden left to play for Bolton in the EPL.

The 2010 World Cup veteran was on loan last year with Norway's Stabaek. The MLS summer transfer window closed on Friday, but Clark can still be signed because he is out of contract.

The Houston Dynamo's Ricardo Clark during the team's media day at the University of Houston's Robertson Stadium Thursday, March 19, 2009, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) The Houston Dynamo's Ricardo Clark during the team's media day at the University of Houston's Robertson Stadium Thursday, March 19, 2009, in Houston. ( James Nielsen / Chronicle ) Photo: James Nielsen Photo: James Nielsen Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Cameron's cleats to be filled by Clark 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

In terms of salary, Clark essentially will take over Cameron's $300,000 salary cap hit.

"We remain interested in finding ways to improve the club," Canetti said. "Right now our options include signing international free agents or making trades within the league."

The Dynamo can add players until the Sept. 15 MLS deadline to solidify rosters.

"It's a fluid situation right now," Canetti said. "There's a number of things that can go a number of different ways. However, it's going to be difficult for us to make any move whatsoever until the Geoff Cameron situation is resolved."

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