United States coach Jurgen Klinsmann has insisted that out-of-season MLS players do what it takes to stay in game shape in order to maintain their standing with the national team.
For D.C. United goalkeeper Bill Hamid, that means going to England to train with a Premier League side.
The 20-year-old Hamid, who is coming off his first season as a full-time starter, will train with West Brom until Nov. 7. The development is the latest in a landmark year for Hamid, who earned his first call-ups to the national team and has been designated as Tim Howard's backup despite not yet securing his first cap at the senior international level.
Here are a few more items to kick off your Friday:
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Robbie Keane has been out of action since getting injured on international duty with Ireland earlier this month, but the Designated Player returned to full training with the club on Thursday.
That development signifies that Keane could potentially play in Sunday's first leg of the Western Conference semifinals against the New York Red Bulls, which would set up an intriguing side plot between him and Thierry Henry. A meeting between the two would mark the first one since a match on the international level, when Henry's controversial handball that went uncalled helped France defeat Ireland in a playoff and advance to the 2010 World Cup.
Keane missed the last match between the Galaxy and the Red Bulls, a 2-0 New York victory on Oct. 4.
INTER'S JULIO CESAR OUT FOR A MONTH
Inter Milan's roller coaster of a season continues with the word that goalkeeper Julio Cesar will have to miss a month with a thigh injury.
The Brazilian keeper suffered the injury during a midweek draw with Atalanta, during which he was subbed off at halftime. The setback is the latest one for the Italian power, which currently sits just two points out of the relegation zone through eight Serie A matches.
UNITED EYING GAITAN, BIGLIA
Manchester United remains on the lookout for young, midfield talent, and the club reportedly has its eyes on two Argentines that could fill that role.
Benfica's Nicolas Gaitan and Anderlecht's Lucas Biglia have emerged as targets for the Red Devils, according to reports out of England, though the former reportedly has a £40 million release clause in his contract that any potential buyer would have to caugh up.
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What do you think of Hamid going to train with West Brom? Think Keane will give the Red Bulls' back line problems? What do you make of Inter Milan's season so far? Do you think Gaitan or Biglia would fit in with Manchester United?
Share your thoughts below.
