Aston Villa, Others Chasing Edu

Maurice Edu, Major League Soccer's 2007 Rookie of the Year, is being pursued by several clubs, including a handful from the English Premier League, according to Toronto FC head coach Mo Johnston.
Selected first in the 2007 SuperDraft, Edu tallied four goals and an assist in his first year in the league and has apparently caught the eye of several teams around the world who are interested in arranging a transfer for the 20-year-old.

"There's a couple teams who have contacted us," said Johnston. "You'll have interest any time you have a great young talent. It is great for Maurice but until it happens, he's still part of Toronto FC."

Aston Villa is reportedly leading the chase to get Edu, with the English club getting a first-hand look at the lad during an exhibition at BMO Field this past summer. But the youngster, for now, claims he is happy playing for TFC.

"I love it in Toronto and the club and city have been really great to me," said Edu. I have aspirations to play in Europe so when opportunities come, I'll consider them and determine if I think they are a good fit or not."

Johnston, pointing to the strength of the league, hopes Edu will decide to stay a member of his club for many years to come, saying: "The MLS is getting stronger and stronger every day and there really is no need for the top players to leave. We try to keep all our best players here, but sometimes you get an offer of money that you just can't turn down."