John Barry Nusum is set to follow in his father's footsteps after sealing a deal with Major League Soccer in the United States.

Nusum, who plays locally for Wolves, had a successful trial with Livingston of the Scottish Premier League only recently and had been expected to be invited back along with fellow Bermudian, PHC forward Stephen Astwood in the summer.

However, his decision to sign with the MLS would suggest he believes his chances of playing professional soccer are far greater Stateside.

Nusum's father, also John, played for five years in the MLS as well as the now-defunct North American Soccer League.

The deal, which was revealed by MLS Senior Vice President of Player Personnel Todd Durbin, means Nusum will go forward to the player draft on February 10 next month.

Along with fellow collegiate stars Luchi Gonzalez and Mohamed Fahim, Nusum, who was a striker with Furman College, is expected to be one of the top picks for the forthcoming season.

"These players have a great future in the professional game," said MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis. "That all three of these outstanding offensive talents have made a commitment to continue their careers with MLS is exceptional."

Nusum is only the 22nd player in NCAA history to earn three first team All-America citations.

The 6ft 1in, 205-pound frontman finished his Furman career as the school's all-time leader in both points (161) and goals (61).

During Nusum's four seasons, the Paladins posted a 71-14-4 record while reaching each of the last three NCAA tournaments.

In addition to finishing among the finalists for the 2001 Hermann Trophy, Nusum was also in the running for the 2001 MAC Award.

"John Barry has all the tools to be a great player," Furman head coach Doug Allison said. "He's a great kid, and he's done it for us, and we're in a top level. Now he's just got to step up to the next level."