Cloud9's Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team is currently in negotiations with Team SoloMid rifler Timothy "autimatic" Ta in in the hope that he will replace Alec "Slemmy" White, sources close to the player and team tell ESPN. The move comes after Cloud9 has been trying out several players in scrimmages as it prepares for fall competition. Editor's Picks Opinion: Esports leads the way for virtual reality in sports

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The team took interest in autimatic early on following its elimination from the ELeague Season 1 playoffs; however, it opted to try out former Counter Logic Gaming rifler and entry fragger Tarik "tarik" Celik first. The team chose not to pursue tarik, who sources say will join another team in the coming weeks.

Cloud9's interest in autimatic comes primarily from his friendship with Cloud9 young gun Jake "Stewie2k" Yip. After some discussion, autimatic discontinued practice with his team, Team SoloMid, who have instead used former NRG Esports Justin "just9n" Ortiz in scrimmages, as revealed by Immortals' Henrique "HEN1" Teles on his Snapchat.

Cloud9 as a team are currently on break from competing after a long summer of participation in various qualifiers, DreamHack Austin and ELeague. Their next event will be in September at Northern Arena in Toronto, where they'll compete against the likes of Immortals, Counter Logic Gaming, Team SoloMid, Splyce, OpTic Gaming and more.

Whether both ends will be able to facilitate a move for autimatic by then is uncertain, but Cloud9 is actively working to make a change, likely before that event.

Cloud9 and Team SoloMid did not respond to requests for comment.