MLS players are putting together contingency plans for when the current collective bargaining agreement comes to a close at the end of the month.

Reports suggest word has spread amongst the playing community to prepare for a lockout and if this goes or a strike goes ahead, all players will effectively be free to join other clubs.

Player agent Lyle Yorks admits he is setting up 'Plan B's' for his clients in case the MLS has a lockout especially as this is a World Cup year and plenty of players are hoping to find form to impress head coach Bob Bradley prior to June when the tournament kicks off.

Soccer 365 reported the following: '"Those are the guys we're talking about," Yorks - who represents the likes of Jonathan Bornstein, Jimmy Conrad, Heath Pearce and Robbie Rogers - told Soccer365. "We'll have Plan B's set up for everybody, but the best thing would be for the lockout not to happen."

'Another agent, Patrick McCabe agrees, even as he also hunts emergency options for his MLS clients. "We're looking at a few things, but we're not in panic mode," he stated. "Even if a (shutdown) happens, hopefully it can be resolved quickly. The players can't afford to strike for a long time."'