Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who attended a Yankees game on Saturday, is reported to be close to a move to New York City FC.
The Daily Mail reports Pirlo spoke to NYC FC chief executive Ferran Soriano pitchside during the game at Yankee Stadium, which is also used by the Major League Soccer club.
The New York Post reports that "multiple sources said a signing could come next week," although La Stampa suggests that Pirlo, whose Juve contract runs until 2016, is likely to stay with the Italian champions until February before making the move.
#Juve, #Pirlo è già a New York, ma il trasferimento in #MLS slitta a gennaio http://t.co/9SOrQ01dT8 pic.twitter.com/vXcjkUcYtU
- calciomercato.com (@cmdotcom) June 21, 2015
Sources had told ESPN FC earlier this month that NYCFC were in pole position to sign the Italy international, who would join Frank Lampard and David Villa as the club's Designated Players.
Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri told Sky Sport Italia on Friday that the Champions League finalists were not looking to offload the 36-year-old but said he "must decide for himself" whether he wants to move on.
Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco, who played alongside Pirlo with Italy and Juve, has told Sky Sport Italia he has spoken to the midfielder about MLS.
"I spoke to Andrea and told him what I think: that this is an experience worth having," he said in quotes translated by Football Italia. "Of course, then only he can decide his future."
The 28-year-old added: "I had two and a half wonderful years at Juventus, I won what I needed to win and did what was asked of me. I am happy to be here in Toronto and have no regrets.
"I knew it would be more difficult for me to get called up for the [Italian national team] playing out here, but it remains my objective nonetheless. I will certainly do everything to wear the Azzurri jersey again."
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.