RSL general manager Steve Pastorino would not confirm the deal.

The MetroStars have been bumping against the salary cap ceiling since last season and trading Pope should give them enough relief to pursue other players. Pope is the MetroStars' highest-paid player.

Pope, 31, is a tall defender with a knack for winning the ball out of the air. A native of High Point, N.C., Pope also has played for D.C. United. He has 65 international appearances and has scored six international goals.

Although some in the soccer community believe Pope is past his prime, he is currently in California training with the U.S. national team, in preparation for a World Cup qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago. Clint Mathis, one of Real's starting forwards, also is in training camp.