As many pieces of Minnesota United’s starting XI begin to click, there may be one more reason to be optimistic about this squad.

The Scottish Sun is reporting that Minnesota United is the frontrunner in a race to secure the services of Sam Nicholson, a young left winger out of Scotland. The 22-year-old just came out of contract with Heart of Midlothian FC, a mid-table club in the Scottish Premiership.

Nicholson has eight caps for Scotland’s U21 team and has notched nine goals and 13 assists in 80 appearances in Scotland’s top league.

Outside of a knee procedure last September that saw him miss 16 games, the left footed Nicholson otherwise has a clean bill of health.

While the MLS primary transfer window - a special period between February 14 and May 8 this year when clubs were allowed to sign players still under contract around the world and make MLS trades - is now closed, a move on Nicholson wouldn’t need to wait until the secondary window opens in July because he is already out of contract.

MLS clubs can sign international players at any time as long as they are no longer under contract with their home club and it is done before the roster freeze date which this year falls on September 15.

Additionally, the Loons have an available international slot after Ibson got his green card in late April.

The Sun reports that the Loons are looking to fly Nicholson to Minnesota next week to continue talks.

What do you think: would Nicholson be a strong addition to the team? Sound off below!