Kovar in England; Morris turns pro, will train in Germany

One Sounder and one potential Sounder will be spending part of this month training in Europe.

Second-year midfielder Aaron Kovar -- who holds an Irish passport -- is training with Preston North End of the English Championship, much as he did about this time last year with Sheffield Wednesday. He is expected back in time for the start of Sounders training Jan. 22.

“Aaron is a talented young player, and these types of experiences are always positive for development and fitness purposes,” Sounders general manager Garth Lagerwey said in a statement from the club. “We’re hopeful that his time in England will be beneficial, allowing Aaron to hit the ground running in training camp with us in Seattle in a few weeks.”

Meanwhile, Sounders Academy product Jordan Morris announced Tuesday that he will forego his senior season at Stanford and begin his pro career.

It is not yet know if that will be in Seattle or elsewhere, however, SI.com reported -- later confirmed by the Sounders -- that he will train “for a few days” later this month with Werder Bremen of the German Bundisliga.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Kovar in England; Morris turns pro, will train in Germany."