Philadelphia Union Eyeing Veteran Premier League And Honduras Midfielder
By Kevin Kinkead
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Honduras international midfielder Wilson Palacios is currently training with the Philadelphia Union.
The 30-year-old Premier League and CONCACAF veteran was recently released by Stoke City and is available on a free transfer this summer.
"Wilson's been in with us for about a week now," manager Jim Curtin told reporters on Monday. "He's done well. He is a guy who obviously, his career speaks for itself, at the international level, the World Cup, with Tottenham and Stoke. He's a guy who has played at some big clubs. We had him in for the week to take a look at him. He'll still be here through Wednesday and we'll have to make a decision after that. But he's been good."
A defensive mid, Palacios has close to 100 caps for Honduras and has spent the last seven years in England.
He transferred from Olimpia to Wigan in 2008, then had a successful spell at Tottenham from 2009 to 2011. Palacios was then transferred to Stoke for six million pounds, but had trouble with recurring injury and fitness issues.
At best, he could certainly fill a position of need at the number six spot for Philadelphia. Midfielder Michael Lahoud is slow to recover from his quad injury and a heavy workload has been placed on 33-year-old Brian Carroll. Maurice Edu started the season in the holding role but has since been moved to central defense.
Palacios has been linked to Bolton Wanderers in recent reports.
"We're always looking to upgrade our roster and have competition at every spot," Curtin added. "Just like any normal team right now, the window is about to open up in July and there will be some player movement, not only from our team, but from other teams in MLS."