Atlanta United reportedly trades for Parkhurst

Michael Parkhurst.

Michael Parkhurst.

Atlanta United may have its first defender.

The MLS expansion club has reportedly agreed to a trade with Columbus for U.S. national team player Michael Parkhurst, according to the website goal.com .

Parkhurst, 32, was out of contract with the Crew. Atlanta United reportedly sent to the Crew an undisclosed amount of allocation money. The agreement can’t be finalized until it receives league approval on Sunday, which is when the trade window opens. An Atlanta United declined to comment.

Parkhurst has 25 appearances with the U.S. men’s national team, including the Gold Cup in 2007 and ‘13. He has played seven years in MLS, with stints at New England (2005-08) and Columbus (2014-16) during which he has made more than 200 appearances. In between he played in Denmark and Germany. He has played several positions in his career.

Atlanta United has announced deals with 10 players, not including reported trades with Chicago for goalkeeper Sean Johnson and with Philadelphia for midfielder Kevin Kratz.

Also within the report on goal.com is a note that Atlanta United may not sign Mexican international Andres Guardado as its third designated player. Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl reported on Tuesday that the move was still on. The conflict may be the difference in Guardado signing as a Designated Player.