New York Red Bulls will not sign Diego Forlan

Diego Forlan is not heading to the New York Red Bulls nor was he ever a target of the team, this after a week of speculation that the team was interested in the once prolific striker.

A recent report said that the Red Bulls tabled an offer for the former Uruguayan international who has a long history of success with the national team and also in his club career. But multiple league sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, tell Metro New York that Forlan is not a Red Bulls target.

“The team did not offer a contract for Forlan,” the source said. “And he is not on their discovery list. He does not fit [the squad’s] model for future acquisitions.”

At the 2010 World Cup, Forlan won the Golden Boat as the top scorer in the tournament for a team that finished fourth. Since then, the 37-year old continues to age well but he would be a bit long in tooth to fit the Red Bulls high-press system that places a premium on youth and stamina.

But sources do tell Metro New York that the Red Bulls are heavily engaged in the current summer transfer window and are looking at “multiple players to help the team’s attacking core.” The source said that a forward and at least one wide player “are in the mix” and that there remains a viable option for a Designated Player addition.