Curtin: Bořek Dočkal finalizing ‘a potential deal’ with Philadelphia Union

Czech Republic international Bořek Dočkal is with the Philadelphia Union in Clearwater, Florida and finalizing a deal, head coach Jim Curtin confirmed on Thursday.

“He is here with the team in Clearwater,” Curtin said during a conference call with media. “We are working toward finalizing a potential agreement. At this time, that’s kind of all I can say on that matter. I won’t be addressing any questions on Bořek.”

The 29-year-old playmaker reportedly passed a medical exam on Wednesday. Dočkal is currently on the books with Chinese club Henan Jianye but is reportedly unhappy and looking for a new club. The club reportedly paid a $9 million transfer fee to acquire him from Sparta Praha last February and his contract goes through 2020.

Speaking only about players currently on the roster, Curtin said “right now” 18-year-old midfielder Anthony Fontana is the starter at the attacking midfield position in the season opener at home against New England Revolution on March 3. The Newark, Delaware native was added as a homegrown player to the roster in January.

“Anthony has done very well, I think that Adam Najem has done well also, made a big play against D.C. United,” Curtin said. I’m happy with both of those guys, they’re improving, they’re building their fitness. Again, MLS games and competition is new for them.”

Curtin said he thought Fontana’s performance in Wednesday night’s 5-0 win over Montreal Impact was good but that he thinks there’s more in him.

“I think him and Adam are growing and improving,” Curtin said.

Veteran midfielder Ilsinho is of course also on the roster but is expected to miss the opening game recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered in a closed door scrimmage against Orlando City last Wednesday.