Report: Nani close to joining Orlando City

Orlando City are close to completing a deal for Sporting Clube de Portugal captain and former Manchester United winger Nani, sources told ESPN's Jeff Carlisle.

Nani would join the MLS franchise as a designated player, Carlisle reports. Orlando, however, already boasts the maximum three designated players permitted by MLS rules.

One of Dom Dwyer, Sacha Kljestan, or Josue Colman would have to be moved or have his salary reduced through targeted allocation money in order to finalize Nani's addition.

The Portuguese international is arguably best known for his eight seasons with the Red Devils; he tallied 40 goals and 73 assists in all competitions and helped them win four Premier League titles. He was also a member of the Champions League-winning squad in 2008, coming on as a substitute in extra time before converting his penalty in United's shootout victory over Chelsea.

After recent stretches at Fenerbahce, Valencia, and Lazio, the 32-year-old returned for a third stint at his boyhood club, Sporting CP, where he's scored seven goals in 18 league appearances. His exit is a result of the club's desire to trim wages ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, according to Portuguese daily Record.

Nani was a key figure in Portugal's Euro 2016 triumph, starting every match in the competition including the final victory over France. He's earned 112 caps for the Iberian nation, the fourth-highest count all-time among Portuguese internationals.