New York Red Bull head coach Mike Petke admits there has to be a few things considered before seriously contemplating the return of Luke Rodgers.
The English striker is a free agent after departing League One club Shrewsbury Town recently and has revealed that he would love to again play for the Red Bulls following a successful stint there in 2011 but Petke insists it is not an easy call.
"Luke was here. I had a good relationship with him, he played very well for us and was exciting, scored some goals," Petke told the NY Post. "But we have to look at the whole picture, as far as what's going on over there and he's out of his contract with a side.
"Of course, we always look at everything. Is it very easy to just go and bring Luke Rodgers back? Absolutely not. At this stage, to get someone, you have to give someone up; salary restrictions and all that stuff."
Petke added: "The Luke Rodgers who left here, could he help improve our roster? Yes, I think he could; everybody knows that. But you're obviously not just going to jump the gun because Luke Rodgers is available and you know what he was.
"We have to figure out, along with everybody, where he's at right now, what the situation was with the team he just left and fitness-wise and mentality-wise where he's at. Also, apparently he stated his visa situation is sorted out; but we have our own visa lawyers and stuff that we need to figure out, not just for him (but) for anybody what the situation is. We're looking into everything."
