Talkin’ Dirty: Veteran center back on the horizon via Spain?

It’s a new year and a new edition of Talkin’ Dirty. It is usually a place where rumors start with us as we seek more confirmation. Here’s a couple of new ones to kickoff 2017.

Important reminder: Rumors are just that -- rumors. None of this has been confirmed as legitimate news or fact, it's just circulating around the rumor mill. Remember, take it all with a grain of salt.

Also, it is Atlanta United club policy to not comment on rumors.

Martín Demichelis

The 36-year-old center back has been linked to Atlanta United after a disappointing first half of the La Liga season with Espanyol. He joined the Spanish club after four year stint with Manchester City. In addition to Atlanta, other possible destinations for Demichelis include his original club River Plate.

Only making two appearances with Espanyol in 2016, Demichelis is reportedly being told he can look for another club and his current contract will be terminated. These reports originated with Radio Catalunya based in Barcelona.

Demichelis was last involved with the Argentina national team in November as an unused substitute in their 3-0 win over Colombia. He was a consistent part of the squad during Tata Martino’s time in charge from 2014-2016.

Junior Flores

The former U.S. youth international has been linked to MLS for quite some time, but never directly to Atlanta.

Other than Atlanta’s position in the MLS Allocation Order, there is nothing that directly links to Flores to United. With Atlanta still in play for Brad Guzan, it is extremely unlikely that Junior Flores would end up here.