If found guilty, Orlando would face fines and other possible disciplinary action. Last summer, the team was fined for publicly expressing interest in a player under contract with another MLS side.

Orlando has not responded to multiple requests for comment on the Nocerino case.

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Last month, United filed a discovery claim on Nocerino with MLS headquarters, which, in turn, afforded exclusive rights to pursue the player. During contract negotiations, Orlando allegedly submitted a written offer to Nocerino’s representatives. At the time, United was believed to be in the late stages of talks; it had met with the player and his wife, who were eager to relocate to the United States with their three children.

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[UPDATED] However, an Italian source said United waited too long to make an offer, prompting Nocerino, through his friendship with former Milan teammate and Orlando star Kaka, to consider the Orlando option. Nonetheless, Orlando was required to go through proper channels to engage in talks.

Although discovery lists are not shared among teams, Orlando would have learned of United’s efforts by submitting its own claim and, subsequently, having it rejected by the league. Also, United’s interest in Nocerino was well known through news reports in both the United States and Italy.

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A team cannot keep a discovery claim indefinitely; if another club is interested, the original suitor must make a formal offer or relinquish negotiating rights.

United offered a multiyear, guaranteed contract worth about $700,000 annually; Orlando allegedly proposed more than $900,000. Understandably, the late offer prompted Nocerino to step back and reconsider his plans to sign with United.

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The discovery rule is a contentious subject among fans, many of whom believe that, like in the rest of the soccer world, MLS clubs should be allowed to compete against one another for players. The only MLS forum where such chases transpire is internal free agency — and that was not approved until last year. MLS is a single-entity business in which the league owns the teams and investors are awarded operating rights.

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So what happens now? One source described it as a “holding pattern.”

United is waiting to hear from Nocerino, 30, who has fallen out of favor with AC Milan and cannot move to another European club this season because the transfer windows have closed. (MLS’s will remain open until May 12.) He could decide to remain with Milan until his contract expires this summer, then pursue other opportunities. A Turkish club has shown interest in him, but the idea of playing and living in America has apparently swayed Nocerino and his wife.

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Having set aside funds for other acquisitions, United is not expected to raise its offer to match Orlando’s bid. If Nocerino turns it down, yet still wants to play in MLS, Orlando could re-enter the picture by acquiring his discovery rights from United.

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[UPDATED] Had United not made an offer, Orlando could move to the front of the line by paying a $50,000 fee in allocation money to United. But since United did make an offer, Orlando would have to negotiate a more lucrative trade with D.C.

Before finalizing any deal with Nocerino, United would need assurances that Nocerino is happy with the lesser salary and will not carry any resentment to Washington. In Milan, Nocerino earned an estimated $2 million per year, but his stock has fallen after appearing in only two Serie A matches this season.

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United sees him as perhaps the final piece to the lineup puzzle, serving in the heart of the formation. The club already addressed the shallow midfield corps this winter by trading for wings Lamar Neagle and Patrick Nyarko and defensive midfielder Marcelo Sarvas.

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One way or the other, United needs a resolution soon. The club is running out of time to finalize a contract, get the proper work visa and integrate him into the team before the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals against Mexico’s Queretaro, Feb. 23 and March 1. The regular season opens March 6 at Los Angeles.

United will complete the first stage of training camp in Florida on Friday. After returning to Washington for five days, the club will report to the Tampa area for workouts and three friendlies.

Meantime, General Manager Dave Kasper cut short his European trip after visiting Italy and England. He had initially planned to visit Greece and France, as well. General managing partner Jason Levien had joined Kasper in Milan for the Nocerino talks.