Monterrey defender Efrain Juarez is nearing a move to Major League Soccer, according to Rayados coach Antonio Mohamed.
Juarez was left out of the Monterrey squad for Saturday's 1-1 draw with Morelia in the 2018 Clausura season opener in Estadio BBVA Bancomer and Mohamed said it was because the player is set to leave the club.
"Efrain has the possibility of going to MLS. He's negotiating and that's why he isn't in the squad," Mohamed said in the news conference following the game.
Juarez won the Under-17 World Cup in 2005 with Mexico and impressed at the 2010 World Cup, moving from Pumas to Scottish giant Celtic after it.
Celtic loaned Juarez to Real Zaragoza in the summer of 2011 and sold him to Liga MX side Club America a year later.
The 29-year-old started six league games as Monterrey reached the final of the 2017 Apertura, but Mohamed mainly used Colombia international Stefan Medina in the right-back position.
Juarez is known for his versatility and can also play in central midfield.
There was no mention of which MLS club Juarez may be about to join.