This is probably not something to get too worked up about at this point, but reports out of Italy are claiming that Chievo Verona is interested in acquiring Fredy Montero from the Seattle Sounders. I'm relying on Google translate to explain the article, so it's not entirely clear if there's anything close to a reliable source on this, but numerous outlets have run with the story that seems to have originated in L'Arena.

Although Montero is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Vancouver Whitecaps, he is in the 18, which makes it unlikely that any deal is imminent. Italy's transfer window closes at the end of August, meaning there's less than two weeks for something to get done.

Perhaps complicating matters is the fact that Montero would need to secure a European work permit and while getting one in Italy is not as tough as getting one in England, the fact that he has not been capped by Colombia in the past three years probably does not work in his favor. I've also been told by people who follow Italy much closer than me that Montero would be an odd fit with The Flying Donkeys.

If he were to leave, it would be an undeniable blow to the Sounders, although one they seem reasonably well equiped to handle. Rosales has proven capable at playing the withdrawn striker role and it is probably Mario Martinez's most natural position.