The former Republic of Ireland international is likely to win a contract with the MLS club after DC United decided not to continue their interest in the defender

Orlando City are set to sign former Republic of Ireland international Sean St Ledger after the defender impressed in a friendly with Toronto FC.

City general manager Paul McDonough confirmed that the Major League Soccer side would also bring in another defender on trial, but that former Leicester City centre-back St Ledger is their main target at the moment. “Sean is very much first choice at the moment,” McDonough told MLS Soccer.

“He has the experience and the kind of ability we’re looking for in the middle of the back four.

“But we will also be bringing over another English player from the Championship on Monday or Tuesday and giving him a full trial as well. He can play at both center back or on the right, so it’s perfectly possible we could sign both of them.”

St Ledger is without a club since being released by Ipswich Town, after seeing a possible move to MLS club DC United fail to materialise. The 30-year-old has 37 caps for Ireland, and has played almost 200 Championship games with Leicester, Millwall, Middlesbrough, and Preston North End.

McDonough will need to cut his pre-season squad to 29 players before the MLS kickoff on March 8, but is confident he can fit St Ledger into his plans. “We still have plenty of time to decide,” McDonough added. “But the most important thing right now is to get the defensive balance right and give head coach Adrian Heath the squad he needs.

“We still have Gustavo and youngsters Tommy Redding and Conor Donovan who can play at center back, while Amobi Okugo could also drop back from midfield at a push, so we’re not short on options. Finding some extra experience would be valuable, though.”