GM Erik Soler insists the Red Bulls haven’t ruled out bringing back Juan Pablo Angel next year, but that both sides will put off negotiations until after the playoffs. He also said the team “expects” to bring in English striker Luke Rodgers in January, and will re-open talks to sign Norwegian midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli.

“We have a number of positions and players and situations we need to look into. But we just want to keep our heads clear and focus on the playoffs,” said Soler, whose Eastern Conference-leading Red Bulls clinched a postseason bid last weekend, and host defending MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

“I said this to three or four agents I work with that have players in the club, (think) short-term, short-term. Earlier in the season we were more in that mood discuss these things….but now that we’re in the finals, I sat down with Hans (Backe) and we figured this is the best way to do it, because we want everybody concentrating on what they’re doing every day. They’re ok with that.”

Angel’s 13 goals are tied for second in MLS, but he’ll be 35 years old during the playoffs and made a guaranteed $1,918,000 this season, the final year of his contract. Considering the Colombian has been one of the most lethal strikers in league history, Soler knows there are no home discounts to be had.

“Yeah, there’s no way a player of his quality going to play anywhere in this league without being a designated player. That’s obvious. We’ll keep on looking at the options for next year and take it from there,” said Soler, who claims any looking for a DP replacement for Angel hasn’t commenced yet. “We haven’t started any discussions on Designated Players.”