Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11), of the LA Times, reported via twitter this morning that the LA Galaxy have made an official bid for Villarreal midfielder, Jonathan dos Santos. Baxter reported yesterday that Villarreal, of Spain’s La Liga, were reluctant to part with J. Dos Santos and were referring the Galaxy to the players “buy-out” clause of $20 million.

According to source in Spain #LAGalaxy has made an official offer for Jonathan dos Santos. Team declines to confirm that — Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) January 11, 2017

However, as discussed by Baxter on our Corner of the Galaxy Podcast last night, he said that the buy-out clause was merely a starting point and that according to LA Galaxy President, Chris Klein, when speaking on a different player in a different situation, that no player was worth $15 million to the team. So a $20 million buy-out was not very likely but could serve as a very high starting point.

The club, according to Baxter’s tweet, has declined to confirm the report of an official offer being made.

The Galaxy are attempting to reunite Jonathan dos Santos, a 26-year old midfielder, and Mexican National Team Member, with his brother, 27-year old Giovani dos Santos. Giovani is currently the LA Galaxy’s only Designated Player and it’s likely that the team would need to sign Jonathan dos Santos to a similar Designated Player deal. Whether the money would have to match for both players, is not clear.

According to Baxter on last night’s podcast, Jonathan dos Santos is currently receiving a little more than $1 million dollars in salary. And while the salary demand fits well within the Galaxy’s ability to pay, any transfer fee would need to be considered. And $20 million is simply out of reach.

It is expected that the Galaxy offered a much lower number to Villarreal if they indeed tendered an official offer. Jonathan dos Santos would be used to fill a gaping hole in the team’s current roster. And with the preseason looming (starts on Monday, January 23), the Galaxy are in need of some signings, after an exodus of sorts has seen multiple players and coaches leave the organization.

This story will be updated as news develops on this potential transfer.

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