LOS ANGELES — The best team in MLS is about to get a whole lot better.
LAFC, which entered the weekend atop the Supporters' Shield standings while leading the league in points and goals, has reached agreement on a one-year deal that will bring Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale to the team, according to a person with knowledge of the talks who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. That comes just days before the team is expected to announce a contract extension for captain Carlos Vela, a former league MVP.
The signing of Bale is one of the most significant in LAFC's short history. The Welsh national team captain, who will turn 33 next month, spent the last eight seasons with Spanish giant Real Madrid, winning three La Liga championships and five Champions League titles. He scored 106 goals in 258 appearances for Real Madrid.
