Reports are swirling today that at least two English Premier League sides, Blackpool and Everton, are chasing the signature of U.S. International Michael Bradley. No matter what your opinion is of MB90, whether you think he's destined to be the first American OMGMEGASTAR or an overrated product of rampant nepotism (I lean towards the former), any time a senior American player moves to a Premiership side, the most watched football league in the world, it's a big deal.

At the recent World Cup, Bradley's performances in the center of midfield boosted his stock more than any other American not named "Landon Donovan." He became an automatic choice for his national team at the tender age of 22. But Bradley is no stranger to pressure. At the age of just 20, he led his former club, SC Heerenveen in scoring with 16 goals in 30 games, finishing joint fourth in the top scorers' table. Those performances earned him a move to German side Borussia Moenchengladbach, where he has established himself as a starter in his two seasons there. There have been reports, however, of a falling out with manager Michael Fontzeck, spurring him to look elsewhere to continue his career.

That's where the English teams come in.

The Everton interest has been coming for some time. David Moyes, famous for his ability to search out a bargain gem, has been reportedly following Bradley for at least two years. He also has a track record of giving American players a chance. Tim Howard matured under his tutelage and transformed from a ManU reject into one of the finest keepers in the world. Landon Donovan had a successful loan spell with the Merseyside club last season. And American midfielder Anton Peterlin spent a year in the team's reserves.

At Everton, Bradley, just a few weeks past his 23rd birthday, would initially be brought along slowly, learning from more experienced players like Tim Cahill and Phil Neville, and gradually earning more playing time.

Blackpool, however, is a different kettle of fish. A much smaller club, having just won promotion to the top flight for the first time in almost forty years, Blackpool don't have the depth to be spending money on project players. Bradley would be inserted into the first team immediately, though as favorites for relegation, expectations might not be as high as at Everton.

Whichever team he decides to join, I've been predicting a Premiership transfer for some time. Bradley's energetic, in-your-face style is modeled on one of the legends of the English game, former Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane. A move to England could be just the medicine for one of America's brightest young talents.
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