In our weekly peek around the league: Real Madrid might take a Big Apple bite, FC Dallas do the continental shuffle and Real Salt Lake gets a "hands off!" warning from Down Under.

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Derby County outcast Benny Feilhaber is exploring a loan move to MLS, American Soccer Daily has learned. The US international's agent has confirmed that he held preliminary discussions with the league.

"It's an option because the situation at Derby is not any good for him," Henner Janzen told ASD.

Houston has been mentioned on the early grapevine as a landing spot, but should Feilhaber become available, expect several MLS clubs to cast a lot for his services.

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The latest Euro-headliner linked with a move to MLS is Liverpool winger Harry Kewell. The Australia star is caught up in speculation of an Anfield fire sale.

Meanwhile, New England are haggling with Saprissa over Costa Rica defender Gabriel Badilla and Real Salt Lake are bringing Singapore striker Indra Sahdan in for a 10-day trial.

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FC Dallas are now without their starting left back after Chris Gbandi settled on a transfer to second division Norwegian club FK Haugesund, who also employ American striker Cam Weaver. "We're proud that Chris was able to develop as a professional here in Dallas," said FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock. "We want to thank him for his service to our club, both on and off the field, and wish him all the best in Norway."

Gbandi was drafted first overall by FC Dallas in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft. The defender is one of 14 players to play over 100 games for Frisco, Texas-based club. 

With the departure of Gbandi, Dallas filled the roster spot by adding midfielder Andre Rocha on loan from Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense. Rocha joins Ricardinho as the team's second loan signing in as many years from CAP.

"We're delighted to bring Rocha to FC Dallas," said FCD Head Coach Steve Morrow. "It highlights the tremendous benefit of our partnership with CAP. He has tremendous qualities, and can play several positions for us. He's a very talented player and we believe he's going to have a big impact, not just with our team, but within the league this year. He's someone we've had our eye on for a quite a while."

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DC United midfield ace Ben Olsen may miss the start of the team's 2008 competitive slate due to a slow recovery from twin December ankle surgeries. The 30-year old is set for a follow-up procedure, which should rule him out for their March 12th  CONCACAF Champions’ Cup opener against Harbour View in Kingston, Jamaica.

"This surgery can take the better part of three months to heal, that’s the best-case scenario," United general manager Dave Kasper told The Examiner.

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The Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles Galaxy are less than a week away from kicking off their 2008 campaigns as they embark to the Aloha State for the Pan Pacific Championship. The two-time defending MLS Cup champions open their account February 20th against Australia's Sydney FC.

"We want to go over there and play well," said defender Eddie Robinson. "We are not looking at this as a vacation. Our goal right now is to get fit and prepared for the MLS season, and this is part of that." 

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Speaking of Australia's A-League, Real Salt Lake has expressed an interest in Queensland forward Reinaldo. The tall Brazilian target forward recently put in a fine performance in his club’s 2-0 victory over Sydney FC. Reports state that, after the match, a RSL representative contacted an Australian player agent about acquiring the services of the Brazilian forward.

Queensland chief executive Lawrence Oudendyk, however, insisted the player was not for sale. "He's never been on the market," he assured.

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Soccer by Ives is reporting that Spanish giants could be poised for a game in the Big Apple this summer. The website reports that a possible exhibition between the Galacticos and the New York Red Bulls could take place Wednesday, August 6th.

The last time the Red Bulls hosted a marquee international friendly, a sold out Giants Stadium saw the Red Bulls lose to Ronaldinho and Barcelona 4-1.

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According to the Houston Chronicle, the Dynamo are much more interested in finding new strikers than signing MLS returnee Ramiro Corrales. The champs are also said to be wincing at the thought of meeting the US international's salary demands, which could allow interested former club San Jose to swoop in for the veteran.