United Reaches Deal to Acquire Another Argentine

D.C. United has reached a deal to acquire another Argentine player, sources close to the negotiations said last night.

The sources declined to identify the player, but they said he is an attacking player in his mid-20's who has played in Latin America and overseas. He would be the third Argentine to sign with United in the past 13 months, joining midfielder Christian Gomez and defender Facundo Erpen .

It will take some time before the new player will be able to join the club because of visa issues, said one source, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations.

D.C. United officials declined to discuss pending personnel moves.

United (13-9-5) has only five regular season matches left, including tomorrow's home game against the Colorado Rapids.

MLS teams had until 5 p.m. yesterday to finalize their rosters, but new acquisitions could be announced at a later time.

United had also been in negotiations with Argentine forward Gonzalo Belloso , who has played in Mexico, France and Paraguay, but those talks broke down this week and he will likely sign with an Italian team.

United announced four moves yesterday: Forward Jamil Walker was upgraded to the senior roster; rookie midfielder Nick Van Sicklen was downgraded to the developmental roster; defender David Stokes (ankle surgery) was placed on the season-ending injury list; and midfielder Stephen deRoux (High Point High School) was signed to a developmental contract.

Meanwhile, Coach Peter Nowak said the club hopes forward Alecko Eskandarian , out since mid-June with complications from a concussion, will be able to resume light workouts next week and be ready to play in three weeks.

-- Steven Goff