by DAVE MARTINEZ

It looks like New York City FC are close to securing one of their more elusive transfer targets.

According to Belgian publication HLN, Teixeira’s transfer to NYCFC is “imminent.” EoS first reported club interest in the player in December.

HLN reports Standard Leige pursued a transfer for Teixeira after the arrival of Serbian defender Milos Kosanovic from KV Mechelen in Belgium. The reported move is described as “concrete,” adding that “negotiations went very smoothly and the transfer is imminent.”

If secured, Teixeira will enter a field of centerback players in desperate need of reinforcements. Currently, the club counts Jefferson Mena, Ethan White and Jason Hernandez as their lone natural centerback options.

Teixeira brings an immediate upgrade to the spot. The 29-year-old Portuguese defender has featured for teams in the Belgian Pro League, the Swiss Super League and the Israeli Premier League with Maccabi Haifa. He spent five seasons with Zurich before moving on to Standard Liege on a free transfer.

EoS spoke to NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna about the possible move. He issued no comment.

More on this story as it develops.

H/T: NYCFCWatch