Chicago Fire in talks with midfielder

The Chicago Fire is close to signing Senegalese midfielder Khaly Thian, according to sources.

Thian, 22, is considered a two-way midfielder who should compete for a spot in the starting lineup. Thian, who is 6-foot-1, plays for MTK Budapest FC in the Hungarian First Division. He would not be signed as a designated player.

Thian would be the 25th player signed to the Fire roster, leaving the club with three more spots it can fill.

First-year coach Veljko Paunovic said only 14 players practiced Monday because of injuries and international duty. Matt Polster and Brandon Vincent are with the U-23 United States team for home and away playoff games against Colombia for the final berth in this summer's Olympics. They will be back in time for the Fire's next game, April 2 at home against Philadelphia.

Club officials also are believed to be pursuing attacking players in Europe.

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