Report: Oswaldo Alanis to join San Jose Earthquakes?

The San Jose Earthquakes have made the trip to Cancun and will be enjoying cocktails by the pool running suicides up sand dunes or something for the next week-plus. But the hottest transfer rumor surrounding the club this offseason has dropped, with Mexican outlet MedioTiempo reporting the Quakes are set to sign defender Oswaldo Alanis.

Alanis, 30, is a central defender who has starred on the Mexican national team the last several years. Spending most of his career in Mexico, with Estudiantes Tecos, Santos Laguna and Chivas, he also spent some time in Spain, playing for Real Oviedo after a move to Getafe fell through.

Alanis has played for Matias Almeyda and even though his club situation has been a mess at times, he’s been a fantastic defender for his country and if he settles well in California, could be a possible MLS Defender of the Year candidate. This remains a rumor for now, but considering the chatter surrounding it, it seems like there’s a very good chance this happens. Stay tuned.

Other news for your Monday:

• Quakes have arrived: The team has made it to their destination, plenty of smiles around. Don’t expect anymore fun until Super Bowl Sunday, if last season’s training camp is anything to go by (I’m joking, sort of).

• But seriously, there’s a lot of work: In another in their series of interviews with support staff headed to Cancun on the team website, head athletic trainer Derek Lawrance details the truly work hours he’ll have in Mexico, 5:30 am-9:30 pm every day for seven days. Wowza.
• Yueill makes USMNT cut: Jackson Yueill will remain with the U.S. Men’s National Team for their friendly this week in Southern California against Costa Rica to wrap up January camp, after Gregg Berhalter trimmed the roster to 22 players. Yueill seems to have emerged as a real option for Berhalter, so this could potentially be a big year for the player for club and country alike.
• Lopez, Peru still alive: Marcos Lopez played the full 90 in Peru’s 3-2 win over Paraguay on Saturday as part of South American Olympic qualifying. They’ve got games against Uruguay and Bolivia in the coming days and need to finish in the top two in their group (they’re currently third) to advance to the next round in the tournament. But hope is still alive.
• Chivas-Leon friendly: The Earthquakes announced on Monday that there will be a friendly between Chivas and Club Leon at Earthquakes Stadium on March 28.

Today’s question: What do you think of the Alanis transfer rumor? Seems like the kind of move that could really help San Jose’s playoff prospects. Let’s chat in the comments.