DC United have confirmed Marcelo Gallardo is in talks over a release from his contract. The Argentina international wants to return home, where former club River Plate are waiting to sign him.

United issued a statement yesterday, saying, "We've spoken with Marcelo at length about his desire to continue his career in Argentina and expect resolution of the issue in the coming days."

The departure of Gallardo is expected to lead to DC United signing Colorado Rapids' Argentine playmaker Christian Gomez, who is not in coach Gary Smith's plans for 2009.