Philadelphia Union head coach John Hackworth says the club is still working to secure the services of midfielder Fred.
The 34-year old Brazilian has been on trial with his former club during the offseason and it appeared as though he would sign a new deal after playing fir the Union in their debut MLS season in 2010.
However, Hackworth told reporters on Wednesday that MLS rules regarding players' rights as well as an offer from Minnesota United FC (of the NASL) has thus far prevented him from signing the former Melbourne Victory, DC United and Melbourne Heart man.
"We've been going back and forth between the league and he and his representatives and then he's fielding different offers," Hackworth said.
"I know there was a report that he was going to go to Minnesota. We know that they made him a strong offer.
"I can tell you that I don't think that's done yet so we're still hopeful we'll be able to get something worked out there."
Of Fred's proposed return to Philly, Hackworth added: "Long story short, he fits into the category now as a player returning to our league and nobody has his rights but there's a mechanism, per our current CBA, where players are reallocated to the league. So that's a little bit complicated.
"Nobody has his rights. But there is a process we're going to have to go through to acquire his rights."
