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Union boss reveals club holds discovery rights to Ibrahimovic

FRANCK FIFE / AFP / Getty

Zlatan Ibrahimovic made headlines once again this week as the legendary striker called it time with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring a record-breaking goal and bidding an emotional farewell to fans at the Parc des Princes ahead of a potential move to Major League Soccer.

The Swedish striker was strongly linked with a move to the LA Galaxy but there are a few obstacles standing in the way of that particular signing; firstly, the Galaxy have used all three of its designated player spots, with Nigel De Jong's contract back-ended to coincide with Steven Gerrard's retirement, too.

If the Galaxy do find a way to squeeze Ibrahimovic into its roster, Bruce Arena's side will then need to negotiate with the Philadelphia Union, as head coach Jim Curtin revealed his team holds Ibrahimovic's discovery rights.

"Is there a strategic move to have him on there? Possibly," Curtin told reporters when asked why the Union have a claim on Ibrahimovic, according to Doug McIntyre of ESPN FC.

"You look at different things and different mechanisms that our league has, different unique ways that players come into our league, ways you can be rewarded if you're a little bit out in front of things."

The Union know, perhaps, that Ibrahimovic won't be looking at Philadelphia as his destination of choice, but placing a claim on his rights gives the Eastern Conference side a chance at gaining some form of asset, even if it's not the player himself.

Still, Curtin isn't ruling anything out.

"If you're asking me if I'd take Zlatan on our team, yes, I would," Curtin said. "We always want to upgrade, we always want to improve, and he obviously improves any team. He's a champion. Anywhere he plays, he wins, he scores goals.

"I can't believe I'm answering questions on this, by the way. Yeah, it would be nice to have him if we can get him. I credit our whole technical stuff for being a little bit ahead of the curve. We'll see what happens."

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