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Austin FC near deal for Norway defender Ruben Gabrielsen - sources

Austin FC is close to completing the acquisition of Norway defender Ruben Gabrielsen, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

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Gabrielsen, 29, just completed a four-month stint with Danish side FC Copenhagen, where he was on loan from Ligue 2 outfit Toulouse FC.

Prior to his time with Toulouse, where he made 50 league and cup appearances, Gabrielsen spent the entirety of his career in his native Norway. He had spells with Gjøvik-Lyn, Lillestrøm and most notably Molde where he made 166 league and cup appearances, scoring seven goals.

Following the retirement of Matt Besler, Austin is in need of acquiring reinforcements in the center of defense, and if thedeal is completed Gabrielsen will be charged with that task.

At international level, Gabrielsen has made two appearances for Norway after representing them numerous times at youth level.