United States forward Rubio Rubin is on the verge of signing with Major League Soccer over links to Mexico, and the deal could be completed as early as Wednesday, a source with knowledge of the situation told ESPN FC.
But which team he signs with is less clear, since as a former youth international Rubin is subject to MLS's allocation order.
FC Dallas was first in line, but on Tuesday traded that spot to Orlando City so the Lions could acquire former Sporting Kansas City midfielder Uri Rosell. FCD received Orlando's current spot -- sixth overall -- and $400,000 in targeted allocation money in return.
With that deal done, the LA Galaxy moved to the front of the allocation order. The Galaxy could use the spot on Rubin, pass, or trade the spot away in a manner similar to Dallas.
Rubin, 21, has spent the entirety of his professional career in Europe after signing with Dutch side FC Utrecht as an 18-year-old in 2014.
A foot injury blunted his progress, and in search of more playing time, he signed with Danish side Silkeborg in January 2017. Rubin made just three appearances with the club, and later that year signed with Stabaek in Norway's top flight. He became a free agent after making just eight league and cup appearances.
Rubin has made five appearances with the U.S. national team, including as a substitute in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He has also represented the U.S. at under-17, -20, and -23 levels, and in 2012 was named the U.S. Soccer Young Male Athlete of the Year. He was a member of the U.S. side at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he scored two goals.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN FC prior to Sunday's game, Rubin said he was exploring options in Liga MX, but now it appears that the Beaverton, Oregon, native will move to a club in MLS.
