Sounders FC declined comment. However, the long-rumored move gained strength through the media, which shifted its reporting from speculation that the deal could happen to apparent confirmation that a deal had been agreed upon.
The first known report came from the Spanish-language soccer site FutbolRed.com. That was later confirmed by SoccerByIves.web, which covers MLS and international soccer. The deal also was mentioned on a video appearing on the MLSsoccer.com site. Millonarios’ official Twitter feed has indicated club interest in Montero for weeks.
Montero, 25, is a native of Barranquilla, Colombia. He signed with the expansion Sounders in 2009 and is the club’s career leader in goals (47).
His loan or eventual sale could create roster and salary flexibility on a club that general manager Adrian Hanauer has said is in need of both this offseason.
Millonarios is the reigning Colombian league champion. The club is based in Bogata.
In other personnel news, Sweden has called in Sounders defender Adam Johansson for King’s Cup competition, Jan. 23-26 in Thailand.
Also, the Columbus Crew announced Thursday that the club has agreed to terms with former Sounders defender Tyson Wahl.
Don Ruiz: 253-597-8808 don.ruiz@thenewstribune.com blog.thenewstribune.com/soccer @donruiztnt
