UPDATE - Great read about Bradley from FIFA’s website.

That’s a lot of respect being shown to the young, 20 year old.

Reports coming out of Holland are claiming the Premiership side Middlesbrough have contacted Eredvisie club Heerenveen about acquiring Michael Bradley.

If you’re keeping track, that’s Everton, Blackburn, Aston Villa and Sunderland all linked to Bradley within the last week.

After Jozy Altidore’s amazing transfer to La Liga’s Villareal (as reported by Ives), it seems like young American’s are finally getting a bit more respect in the dollar category worldwide.

image via CenterHoldsIt

When you’re considered on of the best young talents in the Premiership, you’ve been involved in the England setup AND you’ve had a lot of interest during the January Transfer Window, you can bet a new contract is on the way. Middlesbrough’s own Stuart Downing today signed to a new 5 year contract, keeping him at the club until 2013 after being convinced of the clubs ambition after the signing of Alfonso Alves from Michael Bradley’s Heerenvenn.

[image via EurNews]