By IVES GALARCEP
FORT LAUDERDALE- Trade talk is a regular staple of the week leading up to the MLS Draft, and this week has been no different.
Toronto FC is in control of the top of the draft, with the No. 1 and No. 3 picks. With Chivas USA already publicly expressing their plans to select Carlos Alvarez as the No. 2 player, TFC can begin to listen to offers for both picks they currently hold.
TFC isn’t trying to simply unload picks. Sources tell me they are looking to trade down and try to pick up some allocation money or a veteran player in exchange for moving down in the draft. The Colorado Rapids covet young centerback Walker Zimmerman and
TFC’s top picks aren’t the only ones in play either. You also have teams looking to trade up and trade into the first round (like Sporting KC, Real Salt Lake, Chicago Fire and Columbus), and even teams looking to snag second-round picks in a draft that is light on star power but strong on depth of squad-capable players. Portland is one team sources tell me is looking to work their way back into the draft.
Not only are teams in deep discussions about trading for draft picks, but several MLS veteran players are in the trade rumor mill as well.
Who is being shopped around this week? Here are some names that sources tell me are definitely on the trade block this week:
DAN KENNEDY, Chivas USA
The standout goalkeeper should be a player the Goats can build around, but the new leadership at Chivas USA already has a Mexican goalkeeper in mind to take over. Now they just need to find a team who can afford Kennedy and need him enough to trade what the Goats are asking for him.
JEFF LARENTOWICZ, Colorado Rapids
Much like Kennedy, Larentowicz has been on the trade block for some time, but this is starting to feel like the week he makes a move. If your team is in dire need of some central midfield bite, and has a first-round pick or allocation money to deal, then Larentowicz can be yours.
DILLY DUKA, Columbus Crew
The young midfielder is coming off a woefully disappointing 2012 season, but there are still plenty of teams interested in his services. As of Monday night I was hearing he was being included in a trade to an Eastern Conference rival. Don’t be surprised if he’s with a new team by the end of the week.
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These are just some of the players who seem likely to make trade moves this week as the deals start to fly and the draft picks start being made.
What do you think of this development?