Sources: Atlético Ottawa needs to clear 'considerable cap dollars' to complete Sean Rea signing

Although the intent is there, as first reported by Tony Marinaro of The Sick Podcast on Saturday, there are still several hurdles to clear before Atlético Ottawa and former CF Montréal midfielder Sean Rea can officially consummate a deal to bring him back to the CPL.

Sources close to the situation told The Wanderers Notebook that Rea and the club have a deal in principle to bring the 22-year old Laval-native to the nation's capital but nothing has been finalized, especially as it pertains to how he'd fit into Atlético Ottawa's salary cap situation.  The club has the available roster spot necessary to bring in a player during this transfer window, which opens on July 5, but Atlético Ottawa remains near the cap ceiling following an off-season which saw them recruit the likes of Manny Aparicio, Amer Didic, Kris Twardek and Ballou Tabla.

As per one source, Atlético Ottawa would need to clear "considerable cap dollars" to sign any player. Should the club be able to create space to sign Rea — be it through loan, mutual contract termination or other — any announcement isn't close as the league works to ensure Atlético Ottawa continues to be cap compliant. This process also delayed the announcements of Aparicio and Didic during the off-season.

An added wrinkle, sources said, is that at least one other club is watching how the situation in Ottawa unfolds. If things fall through and Atlético Ottawa isn't able to finalize the deal, Rea still could end up playing in the CPL this year. Sources did not specify which club was interested but Rea previously spent two seasons on loan with Valour FC.

Rea recorded 18 appearances in all competitions for CF Montréal last year before being released. He then trialed with MLS side Portland Timbers before signing a pre-agreement with Spanish club C.D. Castellón, as originally reported by OneSoccer's Josh Deming.

Cover Photo Credit: Canadian Premier League