by ANTHONY J. MERCED

Atletico Nacional midfielder Alejandro Bernal confirmed rumors when on Radio Caracol this week, revealing he is linked to NYCFC and the New York Red Bulls.

"New York Red Bulls y New York City pasaron una oferta, estamos a la espera porque ellos empiezan el torneo tarde", Alejandro Bernal. — Blog Verdolaga (@BlogVerdolaga) January 27, 2017

Bernal has played his entire career in Colombia and could be a major veteran upgrade in the Red Bull or NYCFC midfield, particularly as both try to revamp and strengthen their interior options.

Bernal, 28, is still under contract with Atletico Nacional but the team has been open to a transfer. Still, there is a matter of how the transfer would work. Bernal may come with a high price tag in either transfer fee or player salary. The option for a loan is also available and could help alleviate salary cap concerns.

Bernal went pro in 2007 with Deportivo Cali but has played a majority of his career with Atletico Nacional. Over the course of 122 games with the club, the midfielder tallied three goals. Despite his talent there are some injury concerns with the 28-year old. Most of 2016 saw him watching from the sidelines or on the bench, serving to enhance his desire to potentially leave for a starting position in MLS.

Both New York teams have had similar issues with injury prone players and such an acquisition could come at a major roster spot price. NYCFC’s interest may wane as well now that they are on the brink of signing Alex Ring.

Still, Bernal is an incredibly successful player and has helped Nacional be one of the more dominant teams in Columbia, making him an attractive option for either side.