Brotherly Game Daily Links: FIFA announces timeline to select 2026 World Cup host cities

MLS News

Report: San Jose Earthquakes make approach for Monterrey’s Miguel Layun
The report states that San Jose have approached Liga MX side Monterrey over acquiring Layun, with a formal offer having already been placed. Layun, 32, is under contract with Rayados through the remainder of 2021.

Source: Vancouver Whitecaps make offer for FC Porto midfielder Otavio
Otavio’s contract expires in the summer and Vancouver have offered him a $5 million signing fee and a contract of $2 million per season. The Whitecaps have yet to receive a decision. 

Deep Dive: New Vancouver Whitecaps signing Déiber Caicedo
Caicedo is a 20 year old Colombian winger in his third year as a professional. All three of those seasons have been played with Deportivo Cali in Colombia’s first division. 

Report: Austin FC to sign Argentine midfielder Tomas Pochettino from Talleres
Pochettino came through the Boca Juniors youth system, though made just one appearance with the storied Argentine Primera Division club. The 24-year-old has been at Talleres since 2018, first on loan and then permanently, and has six goals and 10 assists through 60 matches for the club.

Rest of the World News

FIFA announces timeline to select 2026 World Cup host cities
The COVID-19 pandemic has complicated the selection process, with FIFA and host associations planning to start targeted virtual discussions with each candidate host city in April 2021. FIFA and host associations are planning to start in-person venue visits in July 2021, though they’ll only occur if health and safety allows.

ESPN trying to acquire LaLiga rights for U.S. market, sources say
Originally, ESPN had hoped to announce the landmark rights acquisition at Disney’s Investor Day in December, sources said. While the delay was unexpected, ESPN is also in negotiations to renew its U.S. rights to Italy’s Serie A. ESPN’s current three-year deal that was signed in 2018 ends after the 2020/21 season is completed.