The Daily Dirt, January 26: On the grind

With two days of training under their belts, Atlanta will return to the practice field this afternoon for one session today. Will any official announcements precede them?

• Brad Guzan: Middlesbrough announced that he would be leaving the club to join Atlanta United at the end of the Premier League season. From Atlanta’s perspective, will they stick with Alec Kann and Alex Tambakis in goal, or will they look at bringing in a temporary #1 while they wait for Guzan?
• Leandro Gonzalez Pirez: Estudiantes de la Plata announced that they have transferred him to Atlanta United. Reported terms of the deal have been all over the place, but it would be surprising if he is considered a Designated Player. Does he slide into a starting role next to Michael Parkhurst on the backline?
• Carlos Carmona: Last night, word broke in Chile about Atalanta midfielder Carlos Carmona and Atlanta’s interest in him. Universidad de Chile is also interested. He has primarily played a defensive midfielder and box-to-box midfielder. With over 150 games in Serie A, the 29-year-old would be a seasoned veteran to add to this squad.

Domestic

Bidding war looming for Chicharito in Los Angeles? (Goal)

Thoughts on the New York Red Bulls preseason roster (Once a Metro)

Houston Dynamo have high hopes for 2017 (ABC 13)

2016 left a bad taste in Dominic Kinnear’s mouth in San Jose (MLS)

Charlotte Independence has issues with city’s MLS expansion bid (Charlotte Observer)

Right time to bring women’s pro soccer back to Vancouver (The Province)

Target using soccer to promote its brand (Forbes)

International

Watching football in the pub might have a dark future in England (Football 365)

Local

Soccer in SEC land? (Daily Mississippian)