Michael Bradley was an integral part of the USA's surprise World Cup run in Brazil, and it looks like his performances have drawn the interest of 2013-14 Europa League winners Benfica.
As reported by Portuguese national newspaper Record and Eurosport.com, the reigning Primera Liga champions are keeping tabs on the dynamic midfielder with a potential move for Bradley this summer believed to be a possibility and have attempted to make contact with one of the US star's representatives in recent times.
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Up and down World Cup
Michael Bradley has developed into one of the most impressive talents to emerge from the US in recent years and entered the 2014 World Cup as one of the key men in Jurgen Klinsmann's set up.
The Toronto FC midfielder drew criticism from some fans of the Stars and Stripes however during the summer, with his role in Portugal's dramatic late equaliser against the US a particular sore spot.
And whilst Bradley may not have been at his imposing best throughout the tournament his well-known hardworking attitude saw him rack up the most distance covered by any player in the tournament at the time of the USA's exit.
Whilst his subtle pass for Julien Green's goal against Belgium in the round of 16 contest was a thing of beauty.
One of the best in MLS
Bradley is no stranger to European football should Benfica firm up their interest in him in the coming days, with the 26-year-old having spent time at Roma, Aston Villa and Chievo amongst others in his career to date.
He returned to MLS in January 2014 however to sign with Toronto FC, becoming one of the league's highest paid players in the process.
With the US domestic league running from March through to December there remains the chance that Bradley could opt to leave on loan for the winter months without having to break his Toronto contract - as the likes of Thierry Henry and Clint Dempsey have done recently.
Best of both worlds
With Toronto currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference it seems unlikely that Bradley would look to move permanently so soon after arriving, or for that matter that Toronto would be willing to do business unless the offer was excessive.
The lure of the Champions League however would surely be something Bradley would have t consider. With the Portuguese side having qualified for the group stages already courtesy of their impressive 2013-14 campaign that is something Benfica can offer any potential new arrivals.
What do you think? Is Bradley ready to make an impact on European football once more?
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