Reports: Whitecaps closing in on deal with Thomas Muller

The Vancouver Whitecaps are finalizing a deal to sign former Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller, according to multiple reports.

Vancouver's next step in closing the deal, which would be its highest-profile signing in team history, is to acquire Muller's discovery rights. Discovery rights allow MLS clubs to negotiate with players outside of the league, and prohibit other clubs from negotiating with the player.

FC Cincinnati currently hold Muller's discovery rights, but the World Cup winner reportedly declined an offer to join FC Cincinnati in April. Per The Athletic and ESPN, Vancouver is close to finalizing a trade for the discovery rights, in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money.

Muller, 35, played 17 seasons for Bayern Munich of the Bundesliga. He tallied 250 goals, 756 appearances and 33 trophies -- including a pair of Champions League titles and 13 league titles -- during one of the most illustrious tenures in club history.

The attacking midfielder and forward also notched 45 goals and 131 caps for Germany.

The Whitecaps (13-5-6, 45 points) are second in the MLS Western Conference right now, sitting one point behind San Diego FC for the conference lead.

--Field Level Media