The Los Angeles Galaxy are considering a bid for Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, but a prospective deal is stalling because the Galaxy insist the Italian playmaker move in January, halfway through Juventus' season, according to multiple sources.
Pirlo, 35, has set standards with the Italian national team since 2002, playing for the World Cup champions in 2006 and establishing himself as the fulcrum for the Azzurri attack in recent years.
Although he is under contract at Juventus through 2016 with an annual salary of 3.5 million euros, Pirlo could replace the retiring Landon Donovan as a designated player in time for the 2015 MLS season, should a deal go through.
Galaxy coach Bruce Arena would not confirm the Galaxy's negotiations with Pirlo, but said in an email: "We have an interest in a player of his caliber."
In August, Pirlo expressed interest in a potential MLS move, telling reporters: "Why should I move? Serie A is a top-level league and life in Italy is comfortable. Two more years with Juventus, then maybe I will move to the MLS in the United States."
Pirlo has missed the first month of the season with a strain in his right thigh, but he could return to action next week.