Belgian centre-back Laurent Ciman is nearing a deal to join the Montreal Impact on a free transfer, a club official confirmed on Monday.
Ciman, who made Belgium's World Cup squad but did not get in a game in Brazil, has asked his club Standard Liege to terminate his contract so he can move to Canada.
The 29-year-old reportedly is seeking first-rate care for his daughter, who is autistic, and hopes that her health would be a reasonable reason to end his deal in Belgium.
Impact technical director Adam Braz told MLSsoccer.com on Monday that the process to add Ciman in nearly completed.
"Laurent is a player we identified and targeted," Braz said. "He is in the final stages of coming to an agreement with his club team to mutually terminate his contract and we hope to have everything finalized in the near future."
Canadian journalist Lloyd Barker reported that Liege has already cleared the way for Ciman to join the Impact.
CONFIRMING: #IMFC signed Ciman to a multi-year DP deal. Standard de Liège enabled it, so Ciman can seek treatment for his autistic daughter.
- Lloyd Barker (@lloydbarker11) January 19, 2015