Shalrie Joseph signs contract extension with Revolution (Sports)

FOXBOROUGH, USA, Oct 20 – Grenadian international midfielder Shalrie Joseph has signed a contract extension with Major League Soccer (MLS) to continue playing for the New England Revolution.

The contract, which was penned late last week, could see both Joseph and defender Jay Heaps at the Boston-based team for at least four more seasons.

Despite not disclosing the terms of the deal, Joseph is believed to have signed a four-year contract worth about $1.5 million.

This may have brought to an end speculation that the Grenadian is planning to depart New England after negotiations broke down this summer and a lucrative offer from Scottish premier league side, Celtic FC.

Celtic FC attempted to acquire Joseph after playing to a 1-1 tie with the Revolution in an exhibition at Gillette Stadium last July. The Glasgow club offered $1 million in August, raised the bid to $1.5 million in January, and then made a final $2 million advance just before the transfer deadline.

“We’re very pleased to have both Shalrie and Jay with us for the long term,” Revolution Director of Soccer Michael Burns said. “Both players have been key components of our recent success, and carry that on the field, in the locker room and in the community. We’re looking forward to more success with them in the future.”

Joseph, 29, has been a starting defensive midfielder for the Revs since 2003 and multiple MLS MVP candidate, scoring 15 goals and 16 assists.

The Revolution concluded the 2007 regular season on Saturday with a 2-2 draw away to Toronto FC.

Joseph and the Revolution open the 2007 MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday when they take on the New York Red Bulls in Game One of the teams’ Eastern Conference Semifinal Series at the Giants Stadium in New Jersey.