The Colorado Rapids are in talks with Leon midfielder Luis Montes, multiple sources have confirmed to ESPN FC.
Mexico outlet Record was the first to link the player with Colorado, and reported that there was a verbal agreement in place. But a Rapids source, while stating that the two sides have had "real conversations," cautioned that talks are still in the early stages.
The Record report indicates that Montes is out of contract, which would free the midfielder up to join Colorado when the summer transfer window opens on July 10. The club source added that Colorado would use Targeted Allocation Money to bring Montes on board.
If the Rapids can capture Montes' signature, it would amount to a huge boost to the team. Colorado is averaging just 0.83 goals per game, the second-worst mark in the league behind D.C. United. The Rapids are last in the league in terms of chance creation (6.00/game) and expected goals (0.85/game).
Montes is a product of Pachuca's youth system, and following a loan spell with Indios de Ciudad Juarez, spent four years with the first team of Los Tuzos, making over 100 league and cup appearances, scoring eight goals.
Montes was then loaned out to Leon starting in 2011, where he spent two years before making the move permanent in 2013. All told, Montes has made 219 league and cup appearances for Los Panzas Verdes, scoring 35 goals.
At international level, Montes has made 19 appearances for Mexico, scoring three goals. He was set to be a part of the 2014 World Cup squad, but suffered a broken leg in a pre-tournament friendly against Ecuador.
