VANCOUVER, B.C – The Vancouver Whitecaps are still on the prowl for a right-back to replace Steven Beitashour. To many surprised Caps fans, Vancouver did not draft a right-back during the first two rounds of the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, January 14.

Centre-Back Cole Seiler was chosen 16th overall. His selection will add depth to the Whitecaps centre-back rotation which also features Kendall Waston, Pa-Modou Kah, Christian Dean and Tim Parker.

Red Nation Online has learned that the Whitecaps are closing in on another centre-back who could earn himself MLS minutes.

Neil Yadolahi is close to signing with the Vancouver Whitecaps. The 22 year-old holds an Irish and Iranian passport. He previously played for Drogheda United and is a former Burnley youth product.

After leaving Drogheda United, it was expected that Yadolahi would sign with Iranian top-flight club Zob Ahan. The threat of compulsory military service was too much for Yadolahi. His Iranian born father did not want him to board a flight to Iran.

“I was advised not to get on the plane. My dad didn’t want me to go and I certainly wasn't going to take the chance,” Yadolahi told the Irish Daily Star.

Carl Robinson has promised Yadolahi a one-year deal with an option for something further down the line. The only concern at the moment from the Whitecaps end of things is a nagging groin injury that hampered Yadolahi at Drogheda United.

“I've signed a pre-contract with Vancouver and hopefully things go well there, but I still have options elsewhere.”

Those other offers include sides in England and the NASL. When reached on Sunday, Neil Yadolahi did not provide comment confirming or denying interest in signing with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

(Quotes via Mark McCadden of the Irish Daily Star)