Trinidad & Tobago midfield engine Chris Birchall appears to be on the verge of leaving Championship side Coventry City to sign a Major League Soccer contract.

Trinidad & Tobago midfield engine Chris Birchall appears to be on the verge of leaving Championship side Coventry City to sign a Major League Soccer contract.

The 24-year old has been linked with the San Jose Earthquakes, and has rejected a move to loan side Carlisle.

"We couldn't compete with the deal that he has been offered over in America, so we have to accept that he is moving on," said Cumbrians boss Greg Abbott. "We wanted to bring him in on a permanent deal and try to get the best out of him, but that hasn't happened for us."

"He has been offered a package that is terrific for him and his family over there and he decided to go down that route."

Birchall, who played every minute of the Soca Warriors' three World Cup 2006 matches, recently admitted playing in MLS would make it more convenient for him to travel to international duty.

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