EXCLUSIVE: MLS wants English referees to IMPROVE standards

American soccer chiefs are ready to headhunt top English referees in a new move to upgrade the ­status of MLS.

The appointment of ­Premier League referee Peter Walton, 52, to create the first pro ­regime for ­officials in America is tipped to lead to more ­recruitment from here.

England’s World Cup Final referee Howard Webb could even be a ­target now that, at 40, he has achieved most of his ­career goals.

Others, such as Mark Clattenburg, 37, and Mark Halsey, 50, may attract ­attention as Major League bosses look to set the highest possible standard of officiating in the States.

Coaching roles are also in the air as a result of the Americans setting up a ­group called PRO ­(Professional Referee ­Organization).

MLS commissioner Don Garber says Walton, who takes up his ­supremo post on April 2, will have “substantial ­resources to help MLS achieve its vision of ­setting the worldwide standard in officiating”.

By looking to England in the first place, the ­Americans have doffed their caps to the often much-maligned refereeing structure here.

It is viewed as a role model in the States where there is a drive to raise standards in line with the enticement of top players, such as David Beckham.

So, Walton’s departure also presents a challenge to the English game as it could create an international market for referees as well as players.

Attractive financial packages are believed to be in the offing, ­possibly topping senior referees’ earnings of £75,000 in the ­Premier League.

As referee manager for the United States Soccer Federation, Northamptonshire-based Walton will embrace the thriving MLS – now the 12th most attended premier ­division in the world.

There was embarrassment for Premier League refs yesterday.

Before the games, the officials wore ­special training tops, linked to the “Don’t X The Line” respect referees campaign.

Unfortunately, whoever commissioned the shirts couldn’t spell ­‘aggressive’.