Report: Kljestan To Stay With Chivas USA

Sacha Kljestan’s chances of joining Celtic during the January transfer window have all but evaporated, as the Evening Times of Glasgow is reporting that the Scottish Premier League giants are not willing to agree to a deal for the Chivas USA and US international midfielder at this time.

“Kljestan’s dream of becoming an All-American Bhoy looks to be shattered. The MLS have placed a price-tag of around £2.5 million on the 23-year-old, who has also attracted interest from clubs in Holland and Germany. It is understood extra payments based on appearances - plus a substantial sell-on clause – would be a compulsory part of any Kljestan transfer. But indications are that Celtic are not prepared to commit to the deal at this time.”

Kljestan spent six days on trial with the club earlier this month before flying back to the States in time to record a hat-trick for the USMNT in their 3-2 victory over Sweden on Jan. 24th. He has made 13 appearances for the senior squad and was also part of the U-23 squad that participated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics this past summer.

Domestically, the Huntington Beach, CA., native has made 79 appearances in three seasons with Chivas USA, scoring nine goals to go with 27 assists. He was selected to the 2008 MLS All-Star Game but turned down a starting role in the match to take part in the Beijing Olympics instead. At the end of the season, Kljestan was recognized as his team’s MVP and Golden Boot winner and was also named to the MLS Best XI.

* photo courtesy ISI Photos