With the silly season shutting down in most leagues overseas: Aberdeen passes on Joe Lapira, Fulham line-up cards could soon burst with Americans and several clubs with American players do some last minute shopping.

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After trying out Toronto FC draft pick Joe Lapira for several days, Aberdeen have decided not to offer the young American a contract. Dons press officer Dave Macdermid told ASD that the team were passing on the dual citizenship former Notre Dame star.

Lapira can, however, be heartened in his search for Ireland caps to know that other clubs in England and Scotland are lining up to give him a trial.

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The veteran Fulham duo of Kasey Keller and Brian McBride are hoping to make their first team returns soon.

Cottagers captain McBride went the distance in a midweek friendly, bringing a smile to Roy Hodgson's managerial face. "Brian, who is a really influential character and person, is well on the road to recovery. We're hoping that if he continues at this rate, it won't be long before we see him in the first team," he told the club website.

Meanwhile, Keller announced in a ussoccerplayers.com interview that he was ready to re-stake a claim for the #1 job with his injured bicep back in shape. "I'm back in full competition with the three other keepers to try to get back in the first team," the castle dweller declared.

Meanwhile, Fulham revealed that US coach Bob Bradley will refrain from calling up January buy Eddie Johnson for their February 6th friendly with Mexico. The former FC Dallas and Kansas City forward could make his first appearance in the new shirt Sunday at Aston Villa.

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Ligue 1 battlers Lorient have dusrupted DC United plans by snapping up second round draft pick Andrew Jacobsen on a six-month deal. The central midfielder joins a club fighting for a place in Europe this fall.

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Look for American netminder Colin Burns to sign shortly with Superettan risers Ljungskile, who recently added yank forward Etchu Tabe. The former University of Massachusetts stopper has previously played in Finland and Moldova.

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The USMNT blog is reporting that Eddie Lewis' knee procedure was less serious than advertised by the official Derby County website. They report that instead of the four weeks out assessment given by Paul Jewell, it turns out the winger will be available for selection by his manager shortly.

The Rams, however, insist that Lewis will not dress at Birmingham City this weekend.

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Having been told on short notice that he is no longer needed by Hansa Rostock coach Frank Pagelsdorf, US international Heath Pearce failed to seal a move before the deadline. Of course, the flummoxed wingback still has the possibility of a free transfer back to Denmark, where league power FC Copenhagen have previously expressed interest.

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Clubs with Americans did some good, sad  and strange business near the close of the transfer window…

Heerenveen finally said goodbye to goal monster Afonso Alves, who griped his way to Middlesbrough.

Danny Califf & Co have moved to cover the loss of strike ace Rade Prica to Sunderland by landing St. Etienne winger Lasse Nilsson on loan for the rest of the season. Michael Bradley's former Heerenveen teammate will bring a dose of speed to the front line for Danish title chasers Aalborg.

Fulham's Roy Hodgson was burning up the phones all through deadline day, clinching the services of Finland defender Toni Kallio from Swiss side Young Boys and - believe it or not - 36-year old former Ajax and Barcelona star Jari Litmanen. Hodgson coached both during his Finland tenure. The Cottagers also loaned Steven Davis out to Rangers, accepted a loan from Spurs for Canada defender Paul Stalteri and picked up FC Groningen strike ace Erik Nevland.

Tim Howard's Everton also took a Tottenham defender on loan in the person of Anthony Gardner.

Jeremiah White's Aarhus GF have strengthened for the second half survival drive by reclaiming former ace Mads Jorgensen from Brøndby. The attacking midfielder is the younger brother of Fiorentina star Martin Jørgensen.

Finally, Charlie Davies' Hammarby may have said goodbye to a key cog when midfielder Sebastián Eguren departed on loan to Villarreal for the rest of the La Liga season. The Spaniards hold an option to buy the Uruguay international if he does well.