Khari Stephenson

Discarded national midfielder Khari Stephenson said yesterday that he is very close to linking up with a new team in the United States Major League Soccer (MLS) competition for next season.

The 32-year-old Stephenson, who was released from Real Salt Lake earlier this month, told STAR Sports yesterday that he has received a number of offers from clubs in the MLS. Preseason training for the MLS starts early next month.

"I think something should work out pretty soon and so I am just taking it day by day," said Stephenson. "I have interest from teams everywhere and so I just have to see what will work out for me."

The versatile midfielder, who is home on holidays, disclosed that his departure from Real Salt Lake was mainly because of salary cap issues.

salary cap

"The issue was with the salary cap. They are over the cap and as much as they would like to keep all the players that they have they can't because of this," Stephenson said. "I am somewhat disappointed, but that is a part of the game," said the 6ft, 2 inches player.

Stephenson, who made 19 appearances for Real Salt Lake while scoring one goal this season, added this year was somewhat of a difficult one for him.

"It was a good season, but it had its ups and downs. I started off really well, but I picked up an injury and I came back and the team was playing really well and everything was working out but we had a squad rotation and I was in and out of the team," Stephenson said.

Stephenson, who has made 32 appearances for the Reggae Boyz, noted that he has no plans to retire from international football.

"I don't think so, not at this stage," he said. "That (a final decision) is not up to me because I have always made myself available so if they should call me, then we will see what happens there," Stephenson said. "My body is feeling good and there are no major injuries, and so I can go for a couple more years for sure."