Another day another Atlanta United transfer rumor. As MLS Cup approaches, the offseason of truth looms as the club continues to add to its roster for their inaugural season.

Steven Goff of the Washington Post reports that Atlanta have explored the possibility of trying to acquire USMNT utility man Fabian Johnson as a designated player.

I’m told Atlanta United, a 2017 expansion side sitting atop the MLS allocation ranking order, has explored the possibility — as remote as it may seem — of acquiring the U.S. national team outside back-winger.

However, before we all get our hopes up, it doesn’t appear likely to happen according to Goff.

Per club policy, Atlanta officials said they won’t comment on rumors or speculation. Additionally, one source says there’s probably nothing to it.

United hold the first spot in the MLS Allocation order, so expect any big USMNT returns to MLS to be linked with Atlanta.

Goff does note that it wouldn’t be completely crazy to see Johnson make a move to MLS at this juncture in his career, but it just doesn’t seem likely at this point.

Johnson hasn’t exactly been first-choice for Borussia Monchengladbach this season. Could he favor a big money move to the States like so many of his USMNT teammates have already? If the answer is yes, it appears Atlanta would be waiting with open arms.