Khano Smith is on the verge of signing for New York Red Bulls to bring an end to his brief stay at MLS side Seattle Sounders, The Royal Gazette understands.

Rumours linking Smith with a move away from Qwest Field first started circulating last week. At the time it was talk that Smith dismissed as 'absolute garbage'.

However his days at the club seemed numbered after he was left out of coach Sigi Schmid's 22-man squad that beat LA Galaxy in a friendly match on Monday.

Yesterday Sounders completed the signing of experienced Jamaican international defender Tyrone Marshall from Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money.

Smith's trade to New York is rumoured to involve a similar deal, something that would help bolster Seattle's coffers.

The Seattle Times reported yesterday: "Midfielder Khano Smith was not with the team Monday.

"Coach Sigi Schmid said the team is 'working on some things right now that involve a couple of players,' fueling rumours that Smith is on the trading block."

Last week the Bermuda international moved to dampen growing speculation of his potential trade.

He told The Gazette: "People can write what they want.

"We all know there's a lot of rubbish written these days, and this is absolute garbage.

"I'm just keeping my head down and I'm here until I hear otherwise.

"I certainly haven't heard anything about me leaving and I'm pleased with the way things have been going.

"I'm getting fitter every day."

Sounders beat LA Galazy –3-1 in their exhibition game with goals from Fredy Montero, Roger Levesque and Sanna Nyassi.

Smith signed for Sounders from New England Revolution in the MLS SuperDraft in November.