Michael Thurk’s January Transfer Prospects Limited As Union, Whitecaps Show No Interest

The Philadelphia Union have brought in a few international players during the offseason to bolster the team's roster ahead of the 2012 MLS season, but it appears that a veteran German striker isn't in the team's plans.

Michael Thurk, who has been linked to the Union since the 2011 summer transfer window, is not on his way to MLS, especially Philadelphia or the Vancouver Whitecaps, according to reports out of Germany. The former 2. Bundesliga scoring leader was awaiting contact from either team, but neither side decided to pursue a transfer for Thurk. During the summer, Thurk and the Union reportedly were negotiating, but could not come to terms on a contract.

With Josue Martinez, a Costa Rican international striker, coming to the Union in a transfer from Deportivo Saprissa, Philadelphia doesn’t appear to need a veteran striker of Thurk’s contractual price. Additionally, the Union have star striker Sebastien Le Toux and two up-and-coming forwards in Danny Mwanga and Jack McInerney, giving them plenty of attacking options for 2012.

The 35-year-old withdrawn forward has sought a way to America because of a suspension handed to him after refusing to leave FC Augsburg upon the club's promotion to the Bundesliga. Despite sending their top scorer to soccer purgatory, Agusburg is not the worst team in the Bundesliga this season and are only a few points out of avoiding the relegation zone. Thurk remains one of Augsburg's highest paid players even with his suspension from the team.