RUMORS: Center Back Carlos Valdez Set To Join The Philadelphia Union

Multiple sources are reporting that the Philadelphia Union are set to bring in Colombian defender Carlos Valdez on a one year loan. The "economic terms" of the deal are apparently finalized but are still finishing the "details of the operations."

Valdez, a 25-year old Colombian center back currently with Independiente Santa Fe, would provide the Union with much needed cover at center back.With only five defensive players on its roster, the Union appeared set to acquire more defensive depth during the offseason, either through the MLS SuperDraft or through a different means. Beyond starters Jordan Harvey, Danny Califf, Michael Orozco-Fiscal and Sheanon Williams the Union have only Colombian center back Juan Diego Gonzalez and Cristian Arrieta under contract and Arrieta appears to be on the outs.

After beginning his professional career with Real Cartagena (33 appearances in 2005), Valdez moved on to América Cali in 2006. From 2006-2009 Valdez appeared 97 times for Cali then transfered to Santa Fe during the season and appeared in 22 games for his new team. He made 32 appearances for Santa Fe during the 2010 season. Internationally Valdez has played twice for the Colombian national team since 2008.