According to the New York Cosmos, English Championship side Leeds United has given them permission to have Mike Grella train with the New York Cosmos U-23 team this summer. He will be available to play in friendly games only. Now it just remains to be seen if the New York-bred striker will actually show up.
Grella _ a 24-year-old Glen Cove product _ tweeted yesterday “NY Cosmos is an interesting opportunity for me as there are some great people involved but as of now my intentions are to play in England.’’
He was a 2003 and 2004 Parade All-American and the 2004 NSCAA National High School Player of the Year and was a former U.S. U-18 and U-20 standout before moving on to Duke, where he became a 2008 first-team All-American. He was a third-round MLS SuperDraft pick by Toronto, but went on a trial with Leeds and earned a contract.
Grella never managed to earn consistent playing time of the past three seasons, netting just five times in 42 appearances. He got loaned out of Elland Road last season, and did have solid, productive stints at both Carlisle and Swindon Town.
Chairman Ken Bates announced he was transfer listed in May; now it remains to be seen if he’ll sign with one of several reportedly interested English sides or join the Cosmos’ PDL team for training and friendlies.