MLS side Chicago Fire have began preparations for the loss of Ghanaian speedster David Accam in the next European transfer window.
The American side in the just-ended transfer window recruited two speedsters, Michael de Leeuw and David Arshakyan but rejected a deadline day bid for Accam from French Ligue 1 outfit, Nantes because the MLS season is in session.
The Fire have been trying to re-sign Accam for several weeks as his contract is guaranteed through next season (with a team option for 2018).
Chicago are coming to terms with the fact Accam might leave on a free, which is why they brought Armenian Arshakyan and Willem II star de Leeuw.
They hope the duo will have settled-in if Accam refuses to renew his contract. Accam is rumoured to want $3 million to re-sign with the MLS also-rans.
The 25-year-old fleet-footed Ghana international arrived in Chicago in early 2015 after stints with clubs in England and Sweden and has made 41 MLS appearances.
He has scored 17 goals, 10 of them this season, but Chicago have struggled mightily during his stay, finishing last among the league's 20 clubs in 2015 and on pace to do the same again this year.