Noonan Close to Returning to MLS

Former New England Revolution forward Pat Noonan may be on his way back to the United States sooner than later, as several recent reports have alluded to an imminent return from Norwegian side Aalesunds Fotballklubb.New England offered Noonan a new contact after the end of last season, but were not willing to substantially increase his salary, speeding up his move to Europe. The Revolution still hold Noonan's MLS rights, but it is unclear whether or not they would be interested in bringing the Indiana University product back into the fold; Steve Nicol's club currently has a wealth of strikers, including Taylor Twellman, Adam Cristman, Kenny Mansally and Kheli Dube.

Several other clubs around the league have expressed interest in acquiring the 28-year-old, most fervently the Columbus Crew, with the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo also in the hunt to a lesser degree. MLS needs to first come to an agreement with Noonan's old club over a transfer fee before any domestic bargaining can begin.