TUKWILA — Less than two weeks from the close of the summer transfer window, the Seattle Sounders remain active and hopeful of improving their roster.
“We are actively pursuing a couple of different angles,” general manager Adrian Hanauer said Friday. “But as you guys know by now, it will be done when it’s really done: signed, sealed and delivered.”
Until now, the Sounders’ main recent moves have been subtractions, as Fredy Montero sent to Sporting Lisbon on a loan that could eventually become a purchase, and forward Sammy Ochoa was released.
Both moves have roster and salary implications that could make it easier to bring in a player or two before the transfer window closes Aug. 8.
“I’m hopeful that we’ll get something done,” Hanauer said. “But I think ‘confident’ might be a little too aggressive an adjective.”
Meanwhile, there was increasingly good news regarding the availability of players already on the Sounders roster.
Coach Sigi Schmid indicated that goals-leader Obafemi Martins, midfielder Brad Evans (rib), midfielder Andy Rose (hamstring) and defender Djimi Traore (hamstring) all appear ready for the home match Sunday against Chivas USA.
Goalkeeper Michael Gspurning (forearm) increased his training Friday, and Schmid raised the possibility that Gspurning could be the reserve keeper Sunday. Forward Eddie Johnson is expected back from United States national team duty Monday and should be ready to return to MLS play Aug. 3, when FC Dallas visits.
Schmid also said midfielder Steve Zakuani (sports hernia) is increasing his workload but remains at least two or three weeks away.
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