Aaron Maund withdraws from re-entry draft, negotiating new deal with Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake center back Aaron Maund could be set to continue at Real Salt Lake after he withdrew from the second stage of the MLS Re-Entry draft, with contract negotiations ensuing with the club, according to Global Premier Management, who represent the player.

Maund, 24, played only six matches for the club last season, getting sent off once in a difficult 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids. Despite starting the first two matches of the season, playing time was hard for him to come by.

Craig Waibel, RSL's new technical director and now-former defensive coach, said yesterday in an interview on ESPN 700 that the club was looking to re-sign a center back, and with the Carlos Salcedo situation still a nebulous one, it could provide additional defensive depth.

It remains to be seen whether Maund will return to the club, but the prospect of retaining him isn't a bad one. He may have had a poor 2014, but he showed plenty of qualities that could see him develop into a fine player. Perhaps regular time with Real Monarchs will be helpful in this regard.