Jermaine Jones destined for MLS -- and maybe Fire

Germany's Benedikt Hoewedes, left, and United States' Jermaine Jones go for a header during a World Cup match in Brazil in June. Associated Press

U.S. midfielder Jermaine Jones has signed with Major League Soccer and should find out within the next 24-48 hours whether he will play for the Chicago Fire or New England Revolution, sources said.

Jones signed an 18-month contract worth more than $4 million, the sources said. It is expected the contract has an option year attached also, most likely a club option.

Yet, Jones himself tweeted late Wednesday night, "The rumours that I signed with mls are not right!!!"

If a contract indeed has been signed, it would be up to the office of MLS commissioner Don Garber to decide whether he goes to the Revolution or comes to Chicago. It's not known how the decision will be made, but both teams want him.

Jones, 32, the son of an American serviceman who has played most of his career in Germany, starred in central midfield for the United States during this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

He was out of contract, so he was not subject to the league's summer transfer deadline. He appears to have spent most of his time since the World Cup in Los Angeles as negotiations have dragged on the past few weeks.

Both teams need a player of Jones' ability as they try to move up into playoff position, with each having just 11 games to play. It's not known how long Jones would need to regain match fitness.

The Fire (4-6-13, 25 points) sits in a tie for eighth place in the Eastern Conference and is coming off two difficult losses, falling 6-0 to Seattle in the U.S. Open Cup last week, followed by a 1-0 loss Saturday at last-place Montreal. It plays at Toronto FC at 6 p.m. Saturday (Channel 50).

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