Silly Season Rumor Roundup

With transfer windows opening across the world over the next month or so, including in MLS, and managers being hired and fired we've got a whole swath of silly season rumors to dig through.  First though, the one bit of news.  Today the Rapids traded an international spot for the rest of the season to Montreal for $100K in GAM.  With Rwatubyaye on loan to the Springs we had an open slot and apparently no plans to use it, so why not get something for it?

After that, the rest of this is rumor and speculation.  We'll start with various manager rumors (one hilarious) and then move on to players.

• Aitor Karanka rules himself out of any MLS job.  He had been linked with the Cincinnati job and was my top pick for the Rapids job if we looked outside MLS/US Soccer.  It was always a long shot but I'm happy to know he's not going to be coaching against us.
• Anthony Hudson is linked with the open Newcastle manager position.  No, that's not a joke.  Reports are they're at least talking to him this week.  I can't imagine they're seriously considering him, maybe his father put in a word or something, but there's nothing in his track record that suggests he's worthy of a Championship position, much less an EPL one.  Newcastle is poorly run lately though, so I suppose its not out of the question, but if they hire him it will be the most ridiculous move since Venky's fired Big Sam.
• With no other rumors it still appears Fraser is the leading candidate to fill Hudson's old position running the Rapids.  The curious thing is why it hasn't been announced yet.  Either the negotiations are taking longer than expected or there's another name in play.  At this point I'm not sure if its not better to wait until the offseason, its unlikely Fraser is going anywhere until then.

On to the player rumors.  These are all rumors of players leaving from various sources, no credible rumors of players coming to the Rapids.

• Diego Rubio has been linked to Liga MX's Cruz Azul, by way of a Chilean TV station.  Diego's brother played for them many years ago and some discussion makes this sound more like a rumor leaked to appease fans than any serious interest, but it is out there.  If there's a decent offer for him the Rapids should take it.  Rubio has struggled to fit in a bit here and if we could quickly turn him around for a good transfer fee that would be a smart piece of work.
• There are many reports linking Danny Wilson to League One side Oxford United.  This sounds like almost a done deal and the Rapids would be smart to take it if it lets them off without any additional salary payout.  Its no secret Wilson was a big signing that hasn't paid off, and getting out from the remaining $750K on his contract through the end of 2020 would be a win for the team at this point.  It would also be good for Wilson as talk is his family is dealing with some issues that would be helped by being back on the other side of the pond.  This would be as close to a win=win for everyone as we can get.  Today's trade of an international slot might be an indication this is getting done, as his transfer out would give us a free slot again.
• Per Richard Fleming's commentary during the Vancouver game, there have been multiple inquiries again about Kellyn Acosta.  That's all the details we have so far, and this is a tricky situation.  Any sale through the end of next season gets split 50/50 with Dallas, so the number is going to have to be high enough that half of it is worth losing a young midfielder in the middle of the season, one that's currently on a long-term deal.  My guess is that we're talking somewhere in the $3-$4 million range (so the Rapids would get $1.5-$2 million).  I'd be surprised if anyone is offering that.  If they are, the offer merits serious consideration.

Like I said, the silly season.  If I had to make predictions I'd go with; Fraser becomes Rapids manager in the next month, Hudson is never mentioned again by Newcastle, no real offer for Rubio is ever made, Danny Wilson leaves in the next month, and Acosta hangs around at least until the offseason.