Notts County striker Luke Rodgers could still become a New York Red Bull player despite complications arising over his work permit.
The 28-year old Englishman has experienced some problems gaining a visa to work in the USA as he has a conviction for affray in the UK but Red Bulls coach Hans Backe was confident Rodgers would still join the club and has targeted an April 24 debut.
"I talked to him this morning. He's just waiting for the last paperwork to get his visa. He said hopefully he will get it today by mail,'' said Backe.
"Hopefully today or tomorrow he gets his visa and I hope he can be here on Sunday, train a full week before the Philadelphia game.''
NYRB general manager Erik Soler was also confident the deal would get done.
"It's just pending. I just spoke to the guys in the league now. We need a piece of paper from the U.K. police about his record, to have that completely cleared out,'' said Soler. "From our understanding, it's a couple of minor things, nothing serious. We don't believe it should be a problem. But obviously I'm not working in the visa department.
"We hope when we get that paper today or tomorrow we'll send it in and we hope he'll get the visa .We're confident, but I'm not making that decision. He's now out of contract with Notts County, so April 15 doesn't count for him anymore, so if he gets it in two days or a week (he'll be fine).''