Atlanta United president: Offers for stars 'got to be big'

MLS expansion side Atlanta United has taken the North American top flight by storm courtesy of a star-studded attack, and naturally, that drew the attention of clubs across Europe and Mexico during the summer transfer window.

Club president Darren Eales has acknowledged advances for his players, adding that Atlanta will hold onto its core unless it receives a "too-good-to-refuse offer."

"I’m not going to comment on any names, but yes we did get significant interest for our players," Atlanta technical director Carlos Bocanegra told MLS's official website.

Designated Players Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez, Hector Villalba, and on-loan Yamil Asad have all been revelations this season, registering interest abroad, though Eales contends that it will take something special to sell any of the club's stars.

"Oh, no, no," Eales said when asked if the club was close to selling Almiron, Martinez, or Villalba. "It’s got to be big, it’s got to be big."

With exorbitant, record-breaking fees changing hands in Europe's top leagues, MLS clubs are looking to get in on the action, but Eales says that it's a risky venture for a club in its infantile stages.

"It’s always going to be a balance, but now we’re at a point where we’re building the club as a new expansion team, so it’s a little different," Eales admitted. "But the one thing I’d say is you’ve always got to be prepared because you never know what may come down the line. It’s extreme, but if someone came in and offered us the money that they’re offering to Neymar, that would be something."

Atlanta currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference, level on points with the Montreal Impact for the final playoff spot ahead of Sunday's visit from perennial power FC Dallas. Eight of Atlanta's final 10 matches come at home, including the next six over a span of 17 days.