AMSTERDAM – Free agent US forward Juan Agudelo is deep into transfer talks with Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96, MLSsoccer.com has confirmed.

The transfer negotiations were originally reported in England and Germany earlier this week, while former Reds captain Steve Cherundolo hinted on this week's ExtraTime Radio podcast that the club were closing in on an American target. However, sources close to both the player and the club indicated to MLSsoccer.com that a wider race for Agudelo's services is still ongoing.

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As previously reported by MLSsoccer.com, FC Utrecht and at least one Eredivisie rival remain among those still fighting for the 21-year-old's free agent services. Last season, while on loan from Stoke City, Agudelo bagged three goals and three helpers to aid Utrecht's late survival rally.

The former New York Red Bulls man was forced to go out on loan in January, due to a failure to win the work permit necessary to suit up for the Premier League battlers. After his second refusal from the UK Home Office in early May, Agudelo and Stoke mutually agreed to terminate his multi-year contract.