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According to a local news source, the Philadelphia Union are close to signing Argentine midfielder Cristian "Chaco" Maidana. An Argentine journalist reported earlier today that Maidana, 26 (he will turn 27 on the 24th of this month), cut ties with his former club Argentinos Juniors earlier today, making him a free agent.
Maidana's optimal position on the field is left field, although he is capable of playing attacking midfielder as well. He started out at the Buenos Aires club C.A. Banfield. After establishing himself as a first-team regular, Banfield sold him to Russian powerhouse Spartak Moscow for 3.5 million dollars. Maidana struggled to find playing time in Russia and got loaned out on two separate occasions to Spain and Argentina. He returned to the Western Hemisphere full-time in 2011, joining Chilean club Rangers. He stayed in Chile for a year before moving to Mexican side Atlante before returning to Argentina for the 2013 Apertura with Argentinos Juniors.
Transfer market lists Maidana's value at 1.02 million dollars. He is listed at 5'11' and 180 pounds.
The Union have had a quiet offseason that have left many Union supporters restless. After acquiring former Chicago 1st round Corben Bone in the Re-Entry Draft on December 12th, the only confirmed transfer activity the club has been involved is nearly signing Newell's Old Boys midfielder Pablo Perez. Perez made it known he didn't want to play in MLS, and ultimately the 28 year old midfielder joined La Liga outfit Malaga.
Adding the man they call "Chaco" would finally bring a much-needed left-footed player to the midfield. Keon Daniel is the only other left-footed player on the roster. Fabinho was added in June last season to add a left-footed player at left back and eventually left winger, but it's highly unlikely the Union bring him back for the 2014 season.
Update: On Friday Maidana linked to the PSP article on his official facebook page with the added note "Un pasito más" (One step further). Hopefully this is a sign that a deal will be done soon.