Report: Whitecaps set to sign former Sounders star Fredy Montero

The Vancouver Whitecaps need a striker, and it looks like west coast Canadian hearts will be assuaged soon enough as the club is set to sign former Seattle Sounders striker Fredy Montero on an initial year-long loan with a purchase option from Chinese outfit Tianjin Teda, according to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC.

Montero spent four seasons with the Sounders from 2009 to 2012, making 129 appearances, scoring 47 goals, and recording 36 assists. He served as the focal point of Seattle's offense, before being sold to Sporting CP. He then moved to China, as Obafemi Martins had already replaced him in Seattle.

However, a return to MLS won't be entirely straightforward since Montero is subject to the league's allocation process, having officially transferred out of the league in 2014. As such, the Whitecaps will need to acquire his rights by way of trading up to an advantageous position, whether first, or in any spot where an interested party is not above the Canadian side.

The Chinese Super League recently imposed new roster rules preventing clubs from spending rampantly and limiting them to three foreign players each, which could be the reason why Montero is reportedly set on an MLS return. Tianjin currently employs Mbaye Diagne, Malick Evouna, and John Obi Mikel.