ORLANDO -- Minnesota United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign free agent midfielder Ozzie Alonso, sources have told MLSsoccer.com.

The sources said that the Loons have come in over the top of FC Cincinnati’s two-year offer for Alonso, which was first reported by MLSsoccer.com last week. Minnesota signed center midfielder Jan Gregus to a Designated Player contract last month. The sources said that Minnesota feel that defensively-oriented Alonso would pair well with the Slovakian international, who is known more for his ability as a connector than for his defensive prowess.

Alonso, 33, has spent his entire MLS career with the Seattle Sounders. Long one of the top defensive midfielders in the league, the Cuban made 277 regular-season appearances with Seattle since joining the club ahead of their inaugural MLS season in 2009. He had 27 appearances and 23 starts between regular season and playoff action in 2018.

The sources said that the Sounders are not expected to match Minnesota or Cincinnati’s offer.