The Red Bulls haven’t officially re-signed Dave van den Bergh, but as far as the Dutchman goes, that ship has definitely NOT sailed. Sporting director Jeff Agoos said the two sides have more significant progress toward bringing the winger back.

“We’ve had some protracted, positive talks with Dave and his agent,” Agoos said. “That’s where we are at the moment. There’s been some progress. In the past month there’s been progress. Nothing has been completed and buttoned-up yet, but everything has been positive.”

On other fronts, since some of you asked, Juan Pablo Angel is definitely under contract for 2009, although the club is still negotiating with him. But the talks aren’t as much about a pay raise as they are about an extension for the Colombian striker.

“We obviously feel Juan Pablo is an important part of our club, and we’d like to extend his contract out,” Agoos said. “We’re still in negotiations what that is, how long that is, but we’re discussing it.”

And yes, coach Juan Carlos Osorio was in sunny Kingston scouting the Digicel Championships, but _ contrary to reports coming out of Jamaica _ the Red Bulls are NOT after speedy Portmore attacker Eric Vernan, the MVP of the tourney.