Le Toux may be headed to England

The Union might enter their third Major League Soccer season without Sebastien Le Toux, their leading scorer and, arguably, most popular player.

Ives Galarcep of Foxsoccer.com reported Wednesday that the Union may sell Le Toux to Bolton of the English Premier League.

Le Toux posted on his Twitter account, "On a jet plane headed to England."

Union manager Peter Nowak sent a text Wednesday saying, "Team policy is we don't comment or discuss on anything that is not certain. We know Sebastien Le Toux is in England, we granted him permission to go, but he is still our player and there is nothing to comment on."

The 28-year-old Le Toux led the Union in goals and assists in each of the franchise's first two years. He had 11 goals and nine assists last season as the team earned its first MLS playoff berth. He had 14 goals and 11 assists in 2010.

Although Le Toux would represent a major loss, the Union would still have a solid foundation at forward, with Danny Mwanga and newly acquired Jose Martinez. In addition, there are Jack McInerney; first-round pick Chandler Hoffman from UCLA; and Freddy Adu, who could be used either up top or in the midfield.

Another MLS source said that the selling of Le Toux was not a done deal, and that the Union don't want to see Le Toux go because of his productivity and popularity.

However, the Union could receive a lucrative transfer fee for Le Toux, possibly more than $1 million.

The Union also have opened up three international roster spots by announcing the retirement on Wednesday of Veljko Paunovic and by declining the options of Levi Houapeu and Joe Tait.

According to a source, that gets the Union to the MLS-mandated total of eight international roster spots. Teams could have more international players if they acquire international slots.

The Union also declined contract options on Morgan Langley and Ryan Richter, a former La Salle University player.