The LA Galaxy may be close to bolstering their roster with the acquisitions of three experienced internationals, according to various reports.
Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times reported on Saturday that the Galaxy are nearing deals with English defender Ashley Cole, Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong, and Belgian central defender Jelle Van Damme. Sources have also told ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle that the Galaxy are close to a deal with Cole. De Jong remains under contract with A.C. Milan until 2018, but according to Baxter, a deal is close ,and awaiting approval from the league and the Galaxy's ownership.
The Times notes that the potential moves likely signal the end of the club's reported interest in English defender Joleon Lescott. Rumors surrounding Lescott's possible bid for the Englishman's services were shot down on Friday.
According to the Times and ESPN FC, Cole has been bought out of his contract with Italian side A.S. Roma, clearing the way for the 35-year-old to join Los Angeles. Both reports have also stated that no Targeted Allocation Money will be used to pay for Cole, who will have the majority of his contract paid for by the Italian club.
"No one's signed," Galaxy head coach and general manager Bruce Arena said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. "It's slowly coming together. We've got probably two, maybe three more additions, and we're done. And I think we're going to have a very strong team."
