TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Reports

D.C. United look unlikely to keep hold of playmaker Lucas “Titi” Rodriguez on a permanent basis, though the Black-and-Red are making a bid to sign Uruguayan winger Brian Lozano, according to new reports from two United beat writers.

The Washington Post’s Steve Goff reported late Thursday that D.C. are exploring a move for Lozano, 25, who starred for Santos Laguna as they finished top of the regular-season standings in the 2019 Liga MX Apertura, scoring nine goals and adding six assists, both among the best in the league. He also won 2018 Clausura Liga MX best XI honors as Santos won the league title that season.

D.C. United making run at Uruguay's Brian Lozano, 25, from Liga MX's Santos Laguna, as a designated player. 10 goals in 19 matches in Apertura. He would be expensive, both in transfer and contract. At least 1 other South American on DP target list. Seeking name. (more)#dcu #mls — Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) December 20, 2019

A Uruguay international, Lozano has made eight international appearances since his senior debut in 2015, and was linked to LAFC earlier in the offseason, with reports of a $12 million transfer fee. Cruz Azul and Club América, for whom he was a high-profile signing in 2016 before failing to meet expectations and moving to Santos, are also said to have interest in a winter move for him.

If D.C. can get a deal done, Lozano would become an even more key acquisition given reports that United and Estudiantes de la Plata are far apart in negotiations over a permanent transfer for Rodriguez and unlikely to reach terms, with The Athletic's Pablo Maurer reporting Friday the player himself confirmed he will remain with Estudiantes.

I've now confirmed this with the player himself. He's returning to Estudiantes. — Pablo Maurer (@MLSist) December 20, 2019

DCU has not given up on retaining Lucas Rodriguez after loan expired this month, but the sides remain apart on transfer fee. Starting point was $2.5m, which DCU declined. Question is whether DCU believes, at that cost, Titi is significant impact player. Seems they're moving on. — Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) December 20, 2019

The creative Argentine spent 2019 on loan in the US capital and scored six goals and added three assists in 33 league matches, as well as the only goal in D.C.'s 5-1 loss to Toronto FC in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Estudiantes have apparently held firm on their $2.5 million valuation of the 22-year-old, a former Argentina youth international who typically worked the left flank for United.