NEW YORK, Aug 5 — FC Cincinnati are finalising a deal to acquire centre back Matt Miazga on a free transfer from Premier League side Chelsea, MLSsoccer.com and The Queen City Press reported Thursday.

Miazga will sign a max-TAM deal and won't require a designated player spot, per the reports. FC Cincinnati were atop the allocation order. The secondary transfer window closes Thursday night.

Miazga, 27, left New York Red Bulls for Chelsea in January 2016. He has been on loan to five different clubs throughout Europe since and played most recently with Alaves in Spain.

Miazga should provide a shot in the arm on defense for the Orange & Blue, who have given up 42 goals this season, tied for third most in MLS.

Miazga has 22 caps with the US men's national team but none since March 2021. — Field Level Media/ Reuters