Atlanta boss Martino noncommittal on future amid Argentina, Colombia links

Atlanta United head coach Gerardo Martino is doing little to quash growing speculation he may leave the franchise.

The former Barcelona manager has been linked with a return to the top position for his native Argentina, as well as Colombia, with both countries currently without a full-time head coach.

He's now suggesting he will re-evaluate his position with the Georgian franchise once the current Major League Soccer season concludes.

"No one has called me from Colombia," the 55-year-old told Colombian radio station Radio Caracol, as quoted by ESPN. "It pleases me to know that I would be held under consideration, but right now I am under contract with Atlanta and once the MLS season is over, we will see what the future holds."

"I have not spoken to anyone from Argentina and additionally, I am currently working and under contract with Atlanta and that would have to be resolved first. I am not interested in making clarifications about the situation via the media, but no one (from Argentina's FA) has said anything to me yet."

The Rosario-born chief does seem enamored with the idea of a return to international management in South America, according to quotes from the same radio interview published by Colombian journalist Juan G. Arango.

Martino also suggested he will meet with Atlanta's staff in a few weeks to clear up where he and the team stand.

"I have to have a discussion with the brass here with Atlanta ... I have a date of Oct. 1 to define the future of the team and mine as well."

Martino has been a big hit as the first coach in the Five Stripes' history, having built an enterprising team studded with individual stars and containing eight South Americans. After Atlanta finished third in the Eastern Conference last season, they are just one point off the top in the Supporters' Shield race this term.

A report two weeks ago suggested club staff are lining up former Manchester United and West Ham manager David Moyes as a potential replacement should Martino leave.