Quakes second in line for Huckerby

San Jose G.M. John Doyle confirmed to CLS today that former Norwich attacker Darren Huckerby is “a player that we’re interested in,” while also admitting that Toronto FC “have 100% of his rights,” at least as they relate to MLS.

Huckerby was released from his contract at the end of the just-concluded English season, and is in the market for a new club. But TFC were the first MLS team to place a discovery claim on him, giving them the right of first refusal should the 32-year-old decide to cross the Atlantic.

If Toronto decides not to sign Huckerby, the Quakes, who filed a discovery claim of their own after TFC did, would be free to pursue the winger. Doyle added that working out a trade with Toronto is also a possibility, although he admitted he doesn’t know if that is something the Canadian side would be open to.

“I don’t know [TFC’s] salary cap all that well or what their plans are,” said Doyle. “I can’t read their mind. But if we had an opportunity we’d be interested in him for sure.”

Even if the Quakes were to jump to the front of the line for Huckerby, Doyle stated that a lot of leg-work would still need to be done. This would include determining Huckerby’s  level of form and fitness, his level of interest in coming stateside, as well as his wage demands.

“We can want [Huckerby], but does he want us? Does he want the MLS?” said Doyle.

When asked if there were other discovery claims pending, Doyle admitted that the Quakes had “10 discoveries out there” on file with the league, although he wouldn’t elaborate on who those players were.

Given that the Quakes are winless in their last four league and cup matches, there is a tempation to think time is of the essence, and that a deal needs to be done soon. Doyle feels that kind of thinking is a trap to be avoided.

“We don’t want to be impatient, [because of] one result, or one performance,” said Doyle. “Then you panic and you make poor decisions. That’s one thing for sure we won’t do.”