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Report: Atlanta United lining up David Moyes if Martino leaves

BEN STANSALL / AFP / Getty

Atlanta United have been the talk of Major League Soccer during their first two seasons as a result of their brand of vibrant, flowing football.

It may be surprising to some, then, that the Georgian franchise has reportedly earmarked David Moyes as its primary target should current boss Gerardo Martino elect to move on at the end of his contract this winter, according to The Independent's Greg O'Keeffe.

The former Manchester United, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland manager has been out of work since steering West Ham United to safety last season after taking over for Slaven Bilic in November 2017. O'Keeffe claims the 55-year-old is keen on taking the Atlanta job if the opportunity arises, and that talks have already been held. The club's first-class facilities, talented squad, and 50,000-plus average attendance are thought to be key factors in the club's appeal to the Scot.

"Tata" Martino, who managed Barcelona and his native Argentina before taking up the challenge of becoming the Five Stripes' first head coach, has brought an often-dazzling style to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, built on the qualities of flair players such as Miguel Almiron, Hector Villalba, and MLS record-breaking striker Josef Martinez. However, he is only contracted until the end of the current campaign and there has been little indication thus far of whether he intends to sign on for a third year, though there is the option to extend the deal.

Moyes' generally pragmatic leanings would seem to be an intriguing departure from Tata-ball, but he comes with glowing references from his decade in charge of Everton - Atlanta's technical director and vice-president Carlos Bocanegra has reportedly received endorsements from former United States teammates and ex-Toffees Tim Howard and Landon Donovan. However, since Moyes left Goodison Park in 2013, things haven't been so rosy: His last three managerial spells - at the Hammers, Black Cats, and Sociedad - have all seen him win less than 30 percent of his matches.

At Atlanta, they're getting used to victory. After finishing third in the Eastern Conference last season, United are currently one point off the top in the Supporters' Shield race this term having lost just four times in league play.

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