Canadian striker returns to MLS

Dutch club Heerenveen have confirmed that Canadian striker Will Johnson will be returning to Major League Soccer, after spending the past season on loan with De Graafschap.

The 21-year-old Johnson was originally signed by Chicago and made six appearances for the Fire, who still own the player's rights. Given Chicago's recent acquisition of Brian McBride, however, it is likely that Johnson will be traded. Toronto FC would certainly be interested since the thrice-capped Canadian national team player wouldn't count against their foreigner cap, like he would on American-based clubs.

Monaco double down on American pair

The French press is reporting that AS Monaco of the French First Division is attempting to sign both Michael Bradley and Freddy Adu.

Monaco has reportedly offered over nine dollars to SC Heerenveen for Bradley, and the club's own web site has admitted their interest in Adu. Bologna and Genoa of Italy's Serie A also expressed interest in Adu, but the Monegasque club, whose coach is a former coach of Adu's current club Benfica, may have an edge in the Freddy race.

Meanwhile, Bradley, who broke Brian McBride's single-season record of goals scored by an American in a first division in Europe with 16 for Heerenveen has been the speculation of much interest across Europe. Bayer Leverkusen and Middlesbrough expressed interest in the 20-year-old, although according to the French press the offer was for far less than Monaco was willing to spend.

Monaco, who finished a dismal 12th place in Ligue 1 last season hopes to move up the table next year to avoid slipping into relegation territory and the club has the money to do so.

Middlesbrough make room for Bradley

EPL club Middlesbrough are attempting to unload central midfielder George Boateng to clear room for American defensive midfielder Michael Bradley, according to reports in The Daily Star.

According to the British paper, Bradley's current club Heerenveen would receive £3 million for the 20-year-old Bradley, who is already penciled into the starting line-up for the U.S. Olympic team and in the mix for the 2010 World Cup. His father, of course, is Bob Bradley, head coach of the U.S. national team.

It would be a positive move for Bradley who has been a off the radar for American fans since moving to The Netherlands from New York. Major League Soccer should also consider a swoop for Boateng, 32, if the Ghana-born Dutch footballer is economical. But it is likely that he'll want to return to the Dutch Eredivisie, perhaps in a straight swap to Heerenveen.

Everton after Bradley

The Daily Mirror is reporting that Everton boss David Moyes has his sights set on American midfielder Michael Bradley.

According to the report, Everton is competing with Blackburn for the 20-year-old defensive midfielder and hoping their starting goalkeeper, American Tim Howard, can sway Bradley in the Everton’s direction.

Heerenveen, Bradley’s current club, is asking a reported £4.5million for Bradley.