Colorado Rapids planning bid for Aussie striker Matt Simon

Colorado Rapids are chasing Australia international striker Matt Simon.

The Central Coast Mariners centre-forward is the Rapids' prime transfer target before the MLS transfer deadline falls, Colorado sources say.

Rapids management are willing to cough up a major fee for Simon, who is eyeing a move away from his Australian club.

Simon fancies a move to Europe, but Rapids head coach Gary Smith is confident he can convince the Aussie he can use them as a launching pad into England. Rapids have a strong relationship with Arsenal, with club owner Stan Kroenke now a major Gunners shareholder, and Smith a former coach at the London giants.

Smith's assistant at the Rapids, Steve Guppy, the former Leicester City and Celtic winger, will also work on Simon to convince him a move to MLS is in his best career interests.