U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley is close to joining Chievo Verona of the Italian league in the final days of the European transfer window.
The midfielder's agent, Ron Waxman, said on Twitter that Bradley had signed with the Serie A club. But the club in northeast Italy said the deal had not been completed as of early Tuesday. The transfer window closes late Wednesday.
With the Serie A labor strike in full force, the start of the season has been tentatively moved back to September 10. If the labor dispute is resolved, Bradley could make his debut with Chievo Verona against Novara.
Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Bradley began his professional career with the MLS MetroStars in 2004. Two years later, Bradley became the youngest MLS player to ever be sold when he transferred to the Dutch football club, SC Heerenveen.
After a successful spell with Heerenveen, Bradley signed a four-year deal with Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach in 2008. The American midfielder had trouble finding form at Gladbach and later fell out of favor with manager Michael Frontzeck. As a result, Bradley was loaned to Aston Villa last year and was not included in Gladbach’s plans for the future.
With Bradley still sorting out his club situation, new U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann chose not to call him up for two games next month. The German recently replaced Bradley's father, Bob, as coach of the American team.
