Red Bulls offer Tecos’ Diego Jimenez

By BRIAN LEWIS

The Post has learned the Red Bulls have offered a contract to Diego Octavio Jimenez Villa _ known as Diego Jimenez _ a young Mexican defender who has starting experience both internationally and playing in the Mexican Primera. Now it remains to be seen if the left-footed defender takes it.

“We’ve made him an offer. Now he is the one who has to decide if he wants to take it or not,’’ said coach Juan Carlos Osorio. “I think he has shown enough for us to move forward. I like him as a player, we made him an offer and now he’s going to decide.’’

The 6-foot, 160-pounder just turned 22 last month, and was a starter on Mexico’s Under-21 National Team, including playing in the Touloun Youth Tournament in France two years ago. He’s married to an American, so he could qualify for a green card if he wishes.

He also played for Tecos, breaking into the big club in the 2005 Apertura and making 11 appearances, seven of them starts. He played seven more in the 2006 Clausura and five in the 2006 Apertura before seeing his playing time wane.

“I think he can play in the back three as a stopper, or as a marker. I don’t see him as a sweeper, but he will help us if he decides to sign,’’ said Osorio, who sees Jimenez as capable of playing left fullback in a four-man back line _ with Kevin Goldthwaite moving inside next to Jeff Parke _ or even on the left of a three-man backline, despite his stature.

Osorio has three significant transfer targets for the summer window, and said Jimenez’ possible signing would not hinder those.

“We can only offer him what is available. I’m not willing to get away from what I really am looking for,’’ said Osorio, who said his Red Bulls’ 5-1 loss to Chicago didn’t change his opinion on what the club needs.

“We need to strengthen the back, add one midfielder that can compete for those three positions on the left side and we’re looking for an anchor man (a defensive holding midfielder). If anything, that was confirmation of what we’ve been saying all along.’’

I know a bunch of you guys _ and gals _ had to be talked in off the ledge after seeing the Red Bulls get emasculated by the Fire. but what do you guys think of the offer to Jimenez, and of Osorio admitting the glaring needs this team has?

One of the players he’s looking at for this summer is pretty good, an instant starter and probably impact player. Check in, share your views…