ΒΕΤΤΙΝG NEWSLETTERS: Kick Off: New York City FC close in on Diskerud l Fire wait on Maloney l Union tight-lipped on Kljestan

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Kick Off: New York City FC close in on Diskerud l Fire wait on Maloney l Union tight-lipped on Kljestan

Here are the top 15 stories everyone's talking about today:

1. IS MIX FINALLY SET TO SIGN?

Could Mix Diskerud finally be set to join MLS? According to a new report from ESPN, New York City FC have completed a deal for the US International and the club are set to unveil their new signing today. Meanwhile, did you know that Frank Lampard was once John Harkes boot boy?

2. COACHES PAST AND PRESENT

Following Mike Petke as head coach of the New York Red Bulls is certainly a tough task and, while Jesse Marsch is more than aware of this, the former Montreal Impact head coach is looking forward to his new challenge. Meanwhile, an emotional Mike Petke has once again thanked the Red Bulls fans for their support.

3. LAYING OUT THE VISION

While Marsch and Petke both said their piece, New York Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis and General Manager Marc De Grandpre have discussed their decision to remove the former head coach along with Curtis' vision for the club moving forward.

4. NO DEAL FOR PEARCE

Orlando City has successfully come to terms with Expansion Draft picks Danny Mwanga and Jairo Arrieta, but were unable to reach a deal with MLS veteran Heath Pearce, who is now said to be exploring options overseas. Could the Lions also be closing in on a Northern Ireland international?

5. MULLING OVER MALONEY

Having long been interested in Wigan Athletic's Shaun Maloney, the Chicago Fire are set to find out this week whether or not they've been successful in their pursuit of the 31-year-old Scottish winger. Maybe Liam Ridgewell can put in a good word.

6. A CHARACTER PIECE FOR UNITED

D.C. United have added a new name to their roster for 2015, bringing in Finnish international Markus Halsti. The 30-year-old midfielder spent the last seven seasons playing for Swedish side Malmo and, according to GM "He is a tough competitor and another very good character piece for our club."

7. IANNI HANGS 'EM UP

Patrick Ianni has announced his retirement from soccer after nine seasons in MLS. The 29-year-old had spells with the Houston Dynamo and Chicago Fire but will most likely be best remembered for his time with the Seattle Sounders, during which he scored the 2012 AT&T Goal of the Year.

8. BRADLEY READY TO GO

Michael Bradley is fit and raring to go this season and, despite another campaign that ended in disappointment for Toronto FC, the US international insists "we are determined to get this right for this city." Bradley also offered his thoughts on fellow international Jozy Altidore potentially joining him in Canada.

9. PLENTY TO CHEW ON

While the Philadelphia Union look ahead to this week's SuperDraft as well as potential transfer targets, could Sacha Kljestan be one of the players they have their eyes on? The club aren't saying anything specific about that just yet and also insist that a new deal for Maurice Edu hasn't quite been finalized.

10. NEW YEAR, NEW LOOK, NEW APP

With MLS's new logo and rebrand coming into full effect on Monday, the new season brings with it a new look, including a shiny new preseason update for the MLS app, available as a free download on iOS or Android.

11. BE MORE BECKERMAN

Kyle Beckerman may be sitting out the US national team's January training camp this year but some would argue that they've already found a natural replacement for him in Perry Kitchen. And if it's not him, it seems Wil Trapp is also keen to emulate Beckerman.

12. MORALES MAKES TOUGH CHOICE

Seeing Julio Morales' name on the roster for the US national team's January training camp caught many people by surprise. Having played for Mexico at the 2013 Under-20 World Cup,what made Morales turn his back on El Tri in favor of the USMNT?

13. CONCACAF SET DATES

With the draw for the preliminary rounds of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying set to take place this Thursday in Miami, the regional governing body has officially announced the format and dates for qualifying, with the US set to begin their campaign this November.

14. THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Mexico may have come out on top on Monday following a 2-0 win over Canada in the U20 CONCACAF Championship, but the Canadians have plenty of reason for optimism following a hard-fought game against El Tri and they insist: "You haven't seen the best of us yet."

15. BANNED IN BARCELONA

As the first American to play in Barcelona's La Masia academy, hopes were high for the future of 14-year-old Ben Lederman. However, as one of the illegal signings that landed Barcelona heavy sanctions, Lederman now finds himself in a strange kind of limbo.

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