New York Red Bulls general manager Erik Soler has refused to rule out the possibility of signing Aston Villa midfielder Stephen Ireland this summer.

Ireland, 25, is believed to be surplus to requirements at Villa Park following the arrival of new manager Paul Lambert.

Red Bulls, who are said to be in the market for a new foreign midfielder, had been in talks with Michael Ballack before talks broke down.

"Ballack is not a player for us," said Soler.

Then when asked about Ireland, he added: "I don't like to comment on things that don't directly involve us, so I can't comment anything on it."

Red Bulls are currently second in the Eastern Conference, one point behind DC United with a game in hand.