The Sounders are in the final stages of signing Kasey Keller as a broadcaster for next season, according to a team official.

Barring any 11th-hour complications, the former goalkeeper will be working as a color commentator alongside a new play-by-play man in 2012. Seattle is also close to securing a replacement for Arlo White, who left after two years as voice of the Sounders to become lead broadcaster for the new NBC Sports Network.

The hires could be announced as soon as next week.

A 42-year-old Olympia native, Keller retired after the 2011 season, the last of a distinguished 20-year career that spanned the top leagues in Europe before finishing in his home state. He was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year last season and has long indicated that he would stay involved with the Sounders once his playing years were over.

Broadcasting has often been thought of as a natural next move for Keller. He reportedly auditioned for a broadcasting job during a visit to ESPN's campus in Bristol, Conn., late last year and also served as a guest analyst on the FOX Soccer Channel in December.

The Sounders haven't had two regular broadcasters in the booth since 2009, as White called games by himself the past two seasons.