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Hackworth confirms Zat Knight talks

Photo courtesy of Bolton Wanderers

Philadelphia Union manager John Hackworth confirmed the team has considered acquiring former Bolton captain Zat Knight.

Hackworth spoke with the 6-6, 33-year-old center back’s agent a few weeks ago, Hackworth said Tuesday during a conference call with media. The Union could still sign him, Hackworth said, but the Union manager indicated the team is considering other center backs in other countries as well.

Knight is in the last year of his contract with Bolton, which plays in England’s second division after being relegated in 2012. He has two caps for England and spent 12 seasons in the English Premier League with Bolton, Aston Villa and Fulham.

Currently, the Union have one center back slot locked down by Amobi Okugo. Philadelphia acquired 23-year-old center back Ethan White and drafted rookies Richie Marquez and Kevin Cope last month.

Hackworth said he has seen some “pleasant surprises” from the trio of new center backs, each of whom is competing for a starting spot.

However, Hackworth has been open about the team’s desire to potentially bolster the position with a veteran acquisition since starter Jeff Parke was traded to D.C. United as part of the deal that gave the Union the right to sign midfielder Maurice Edu.

6 Comments

  1. Wow. That would be impressive. No idea how they have the cap space to manage a veteran CB. Regardless of WHO they get, I feel that at least one solid center back is going to come out of camp. Whether it is White, Cope, Marquez (sp?), or an undetermined veteran, Union fans should be feeling pretty good about this season. However, expectations are high and that’s never a good thing in Philadelphia.

  2. OneManWolfpack says:

    Holy crap!!! This team is attempting to address their needs! What are we gonna talk about if they do!?!? Haha! Good stuff U! Make it happen!

  3. Please put carroll out of his misery!!!

  4. He hasn’t played much for Bolton recently. I’m really not sure Knight still has it, could easily be a bust.

    Glad to see the FO looking at CBs, just not sure if I want to see Zat Knight on the Union.

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