The Philadelphia Union have been linked to Michael Thurk again, this time with the team being listed as one of the German's two front runners for his services. Thurk's agent, Klaus Gerster, said that Thurk will make a decision this week, with both the Union and fellow MLS team the Vancouver Whitecaps as the forward's favored destinations. Salary demands are the only hurdle to overcome, according to Gerster.
Thurk has sought a way out of Augsburg FC since being suspended from the club in August, when he refused to accept a transfer out of the squad. Despite leading Augsburg in scoring last year, and helping the team to a promotion to the Bundesliga top flight, Thurk was seen as a surplus to the requirements of the club. The withdrawn forward has yet to see any official play this year, which at 35-years-old may hamper a transition to American, even if Thurk want to end his career in MLS.
In addition to Thurk, the Union are reportedly pursuing Costa Rican international forward Josue Martinez, of Deportivo Saprissa, Spanish striker Kepa Blanco, of Recreativo de Huelva and Nicolas Anelka, a French international striker who had his transfer request accepted by Chelsea in England.