The 10 Biggest MLS Rumors Right Now

Having started a trial with English Championship side Wolves in the last few days, former New England Revolution and FC Utrecht player Juan Agudelo is closing in on a permanent move. There's no doubt he has his heart set on a move to one of England's big-wigs if the current trial falls through, but is he good enough to pull it off?

Top Italian football journalist Gianluco Di Marzio first picked up on the story way back in July, but it's gathered pace since then, with recent rumors he's likely to appear as part of New York City FC's inaugural MLS season. AS Roma's striker Marco Borriello certainly has the experience to become a big hit just like Thierry Henry and Robbie Keane have done.

If rumors about Fabian Castillo's move to Club America are to be believed, you'd have to ignore the player's own words to the contrary. After recently expressing his loyalty to MLS Cup glory-hunters FC Dallas, it's difficult to imagine a move ever materializing. Then again, in football you just never know.

Once the MLS season winds down properly, we can expect a great deal more of these news stories to start floating around. Despite the player reiterating his desire to stay on board with Toronto, other voices have since turned the whole thing on its head. Now, a January move back to England looks like it might just happen for Jermaine Defoe. Until a contract's signed, though, it's all just speculation.

Continuing to fuel the notion that Thierry Henry is on his way out of the New York Red Bulls, the former Arsenal star's silence is the biggest indicator of just how close he is to a move elsewhere, or even retirement. His departure would deal a real blow to the league's pulling power, not to mention the headache it would give Gerard Houllier to find a replacement.

Rumored to be eying up an extension of his Manchester City career, former Chelsea hero Frank Lampard may well delay his MLS journey. Having already upset Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and critics of the financial fair play system, a prolonged stay would make him yet more enemies. No official word as yet heightens the rumor. Can New York FC be persuaded? Or will they put their foot down?

Another big rumor that still sees no sign of being quashed are those linked to the future of the New York Red Bulls. MLS Commissioner Don Garber may well have denied claims that it's up for purchase, but there have been a lot of conflicting reports swirling around of late. There may or may not be any truth to it, but the ramifications of a sale are endlessly intriguing.

Ignore his recent contract extension with The Old Lady and Andrea Pirlo's potential move to LA Galaxy is a fascinating vignette indeed. Bruce Arena may well have confirmed his interest, but a move will probably have to wait until 2016. Nevertheless, the prospect of the bearded genius linking up with Robbie Keane in two years time sounds no less amazing. Let's keep our fingers crossed for this one.

It might be the craziest thing Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamre has ever done -- and he's been getting enough bad press for that as it is. Proposals to set up a regular “39th fixture” in MLS underlines the league's global pulling power. Is it a good idea? Can it benefit the game? Or is it just a money-making fad?

Andy Najar, the former DC United teen prodigy, is reportedly being watched closely by Tottenham Hotspur agents and manager Mauricio Pochettino at Anderlecht. Having reached double figures during his three years with the Black and Red, the 21-year-old would certainly be a great addition to the Lily Whites squad and would increase the reputation of the MLS as a league that nurtures young talent.