New York Red Bulls have sent striker Luke Rodgers to Norwegian club Lillestrom after his US working visa was denied.
The Englishman had to apply for a second permit due to legal issues back in his homeland but has not been granted entry back into the States with the Red Bulls having to remove his name from their 2012 MLS roster.
But general manager Erik Soler insists the club will not give up on Rodgers, who will remain with Lillestrom for the remainder of the Tippeligaen season which concludes in November, and says for now they will search for a similar player as a replacement.
"Our target is to see if we can get him back here later this year, if not by next season.
"We terminated the contract and then he went to another club of his free will. He went to a club in the one market that was open. We are open to do what's needed to get Luke back. But obviously we hope that we can get him back without paying anything.
"We would look for someone similar to Luke, or at least someone with an attacking-oriented style and quick feet.""He was transferred, as it was the most viable option for all parties,'' Soler told the NY Post. "However, we still hope to obtain a visa so Luke can come back.
