Coming to America

It's clear that the Major League Soccer (MLS) in America is growing. Since its inception in 1993 the league has grown at an unprecedented rate. The arrival of David Beckham at LA Galaxy brought the attention of the league to the masses, as well as awakening it from its dormant slumber in America. With more teams set to join the league it can only continue to grow.

Each year we see more and more household names join the league, there's Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill at the New York Red Bulls, England international Jermain Defoe is at Toronto FC and Robbie Keane is at LA Galaxy, who are favourites with online casino and bookmaker 32Red to win against Real Salt Lake and the league in general. So which other big names can we expect to see move across the pond?

Frank Lampard

The Chelsea midfielder came close to a move to the MLS last season but eventually Roman Abromovich and Chelsea came to their senses and offered him a new contract. However, the star turn's 36-years-old in June and it seems highly unlikely that he'll get another contract extension from Chelsea. It also appears as if Lampard is keen on a new challenge, he's won everything there is to win in England and Europe, so America will give him a nice chance of an Indian summer. The midfielder is wanted by numerous MLS clubs, no more so than Galaxy; if Lampard was to go anywhere he'd probably choose the warmer climes of Los Angeles. Expect to see Lampard in the MLS next season.

Xavi

The diminutive Barcelona veteran is another's whose career is winding down. At 34-years-old he still has plenty to offer Barca but he may feel the time is right to move on, especially when you consider the quality of the players he's trying to keep out the team. It's believed that new franchise New York FC, who are funded by Manchester City's owners the Abu Dhabi Group, want to make the World Cup winner their marquee signing. Although it will be a hard sell they are definitely in with a chance of persuading the player to join their ranks. Not as likely as Lampard but a move to New York is more than plausible.

Didier Drogba

The Galatasaray forward is reported to have held talks with the Seattle Sounders. The Sounders who are financed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen would certainly have the financial clout to afford Drogba's wages. Drogba who is 36-years-old this year may be willing to have a stab at the American dream, it's all dependent on the motives of Jose Mourinho at Chelsea, who has stated he wants the "Drog" at Stamford Bridge as a player-coach. If there's any truth in Mourinho's statement then Drogba will almost certainly go back to London instead of Seattle. However, if a Chelsea deal does not come to fruition then there is no reason why he wouldn't move to Seattle.

As aforementioned the MLS is constantly growing and as it grows more and more world-class players will join the league.