It's official: Minnesota United FC will join Major League Soccer for the 2017 season, and most importantly will keep their name. (1:58)

Carl Craig was hired by current sporting director Manny Lagos at the start of this season. Minnesota United FC

With its entry into MLS confirmed for 2017, Minnesota United is compiling a list of managerial candidates for next season, even as manager Carl Craig finishes out the current campaign, a source with knowledge of the club's thinking told ESPN FC.

Among the names on Minnesota's preliminary list is former Orlando City manager Adrian Heath, as well as current New England Revolution assistant and former D.C. United manager Tom Soehn. The source added that no formal interviews have taken place.

Heath was dismissed by Orlando City back in July, but the source said that Heath's experience managing the Lions' transition into MLS, one where Orlando narrowly missed out on making the playoffs in its first season, makes him an attractive candidate.

Soehn has family ties to the Twin Cities, as his wife Jean grew up in nearby Roseville. Soehn previously served as the director of development and recruiting for the National Sports Center, located in Blaine, Minnesota.

While managing D.C. United, Soehn led the Black-and-Red to a Supporters' Shield triumph in 2007, as well as the U.S. Open Cup title in 2008. He later served as the director of soccer operations for the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Soehn was also a teammate of Minnesota United sporting director Manny Lagos for parts of two seasons when the two played for the Chicago Fire.

The source indicated that former Seattle Sounders manager Sigi Schmid is also on Minnesota's radar, but it is believed that Schmid has his eye on the opening with Los Angeles FC, which is slated to begin play in 2018.

The source indicated that United hasn't necessarily ruled out Craig as a possibility to continue into next season, however.

Craig was promoted to his current position by Lagos just prior to the current campaign, and after an inconsistent start to the season, the Loons currently occupy the fourth and final playoff spot in the NASL standings.

The thinking however is that Minnesota would prefer to begin next season with a manager who has MLS experience.