The Daily Dirt, January 2: Back to business

The Silly Season will truly get into action this week as everyone returns from a holiday and the deal and rumors start flying. For Atlanta United fans, here’s a few things to watch for this week:

• Follow-up on last week’s report that the club is shopping in Argentina and Mexico for its final Designated Player.
• Brad Guzan’s situation at Middlesbrough, he played this morning and earned a shutout in a 0-0 draw with Leicester City.
• SuperDraft talk about potential targets for Atlanta with the #2 and #8 picks, or possible trades with other teams.
• Other signings to bring in potential starters or depth at left wing, center midfield, and defense.

Domestic

Toronto legend Danny Dichio to coach their new senior academy team (Waking the Red)

Will Landon Donovan make it back to the USMNT? (Stars and Stripes FC)

Unconfirmed reports of Andrea Pirlo’s retirement:

International

The collapse of Leeds United since 2002 (Daily Mail)

Things are far from well in the Trinidad and Tobago national team camp; players dropped for arriving late, accusations about them smelling of alcohol, commitment questioned by the new manager (Wired 868)

All is not what it seems in the Chinese Super League (ESPN)

Local