Zak Whitbread, long a fixture of the "Americas Abroad" contingent of soccer players, could soon be headed to MLS. It would be an awkward homecoming of sorts for Whitbread, given that he has hardly lived in the United States and has never played in America. Yet, now that he is out of contract with Derby County of the English Football League Championship, there are rumors that he is headed for MLS.

In fact, his agent, Kevin Moran, has gone so far as to confirm to MLSsoccer.com that there is interest from the top American league. "We're in some discussions [with Championship clubs], but there is nothing concrete at this time," Moran said to MLSsoccer.com. "There is also some interest from MLS."

Staying in the Championship would be nothing new for the former United States U-20 international defender. Although he came through the academy set-up at Liverpool, he never made a first team appearance and was shipped out to Millwall on loan as a 21 year old. While there, he established himself as a valued member of the first team, and completed a permanent move to the Lion's Den.

He remained at Millwall through the conclusion of the 2009/2010 Championship campaign, and made 103 appearances in total for the Lions. He moved on following the end of the 2009/2010 campaign, signing a deal with Norwich City and helped them earn promotion to the Barclays Premier League.

Whitbread made 44 appearances for the Canaries over two seasons, including playing 18 times in the Barclays Premier League. However, as they have done all throughout his career, injuries cut short his time at Carrow Road.

Whitbread moved on to Leicester City in the summer of 2012, but saw his time there derailed by injuries as well. He appeared just 16 times, and spent a large portion of the 2013/14 campaign on loan with Derby County. Following the conclusion of the season, he was released by Leicester and made his move to Derby permanent.

Unfortunately for the defender, his time would again be cut short after dealing with more serious injury problems. He appeared on just nine occasions this season, and is now looking for a new home. Will his homeland prove to be that new home? Only time will tell.