Report: Chelsea to visit Seattle in July; Inter to Edmonton?

It appears that the newest MLS franchise will be getting a visit from one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Reports say that Seattle Sounders FC are close to finalizing an agreement that would bring popular English Premier League side Chelsea to Qwest Field either July 4th or July 18th.

When Full Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show caught up with Sounders officials in November 2008, the first-year MLS side said they were looking at bringing a top European club to the pacific northwest. Among the rumoured teams Sounders FC were talking to included Chelsea and FC Barcelona.

But it looks like the runners-up of last year’s UEFA Champions League and Barclays Premier League will be the side that will meet the Sounders for a friendly in July.

In a (somewhat) related story, another soccer giant may also be making the trip to a city close to Vancouver. The Alberta Soccer Association is apparently in “detailed negotiations” with Serie A leader Inter Milan. The ASA is celebrating 100 years of soccer in the province, and want to bring a star-studded international squad to the city of Edmonton.

Inter would face a team from South America in an August friendly.

The Italian side already has a pre-season tour of China scheduled. The ASA is hoping to convince the team to make a stop in the Alberta capital.

With Jose Mourinho’s men possibly visiting Edmonton, could a trip to Vancouver be in the cards?... Find out more, this Sunday night at 10pm on Full Time: Vancouver’s Soccer Show.

- MM