There's been a "will they or won't they?" question surrounding Luciano Acosta, the diminutive Argentine playmaker who's been at the heart of the D.C. United midfield all year. Acosta arrived from Boca Juniors on loan and has been one of United's best players, but always with the specter of that loan's end hanging over his performances.

So this comes as good news to United fans:

D.C. United has begun talks w Boca Juniors to retain MF @LuchoAcosta94, who is on loan. #DCU has option to buy. Meeting likely next month — Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) September 11, 2016

The 22-year-old Acosta has tallied three goals and eight assists thus far in the 2016 season, and has been hugely integral in D.C.'s push for the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Acosta came up through the famed Boca Juniors academy system, and featured 25 times for his boyhood club as well as 27 times on loan for rivals Estudiantes before joining D.C.

While talks between the clubs and the player can be take place any time, no official transfer can be completed until the transfer window re-opens this winter.