Club thwarted again in search for centerback

Atlanta United was stymied for at least the third time in its pursuit to sign a starting centerback.

Journalist CL Mer lo reported Thursday night that Alan Franco will be sold by Independiente for $ 4 million to Sao Paulo in Brazil instead of to Atlanta United, which reportedly agreed to purchase the 24- year- old for $ 2.8 million.

Losing Franco follows the missed acquisitions of Lautaro Giannetti, who failed a physical and returned to Velez Sarsfifield, and Hector David Martinez, who moved to River Plate.

That Atlanta United couldn’ tfi finalize the negotiations with In depend iente isn’t surprising because the two clubs have had prolonged negotiations before. Ezequiel Barco, signed before the 2018 season, once said he had to force his move from Independiente to Atlanta United because the Argentinian club reportedly would agree to terms on the sale and then change the terms.

Atlanta United’s centerback pool includes Miles Robinson, one of the better centerbacks in MLS; Anton Walkes, who can play across the back line; Alex De John, signed for depth; and two Home grown sin George Campbell and Efrain Morales.

The team will open its season April 6 at Alajuelense in the Champions League.

Scrimmage today: Atlanta United will host Charleston today for a training exercise at the team’s grounds in Marietta.

The exercise, which could be considered a scrimmage, will consist of four 30- minute periods. It is scheduled to start at 10: 30 a. m. and is supposed to be livestreamed on the team’s website. New manager Gabriel Heinze is scheduled to speak to the media after the game. It will be his fifirst interview since late December.

This will be the second scrimmage hosted by Atlanta United as part of its preparations for its season- opening Champions League game at Alajuelense in Costa Rica on April 6.