Erick Thohir downplays any link between D.C. United and Alessandro Del Piero

D.C. United has been linked with a number of aging strikers throughout the last few years, with Alessandro Del Piero being the latest (and arguably the most talented) linked player. And for the way that D.C. United is going, I do not think that a player who will hit 40 this year, even one with Del Piero's resume, is a smart move for this team.

So I reacted with relief when I read what Erick Thohir told Italian reporters:

"He's a great player, but I don't know anything about an approach for Del Piero. For now I think that D.C. United's squad is set and their market runs at different times. We also shouldn't forget that there is a salary cap. In the coming months we will see about the transfer market but I don't have any information for you at the moment."

The salary cap is the biggest issue that would prevent Thohir from bringing Del Piero to D.C. United, even if he were made a designated player. From all of the cap murmurings and speculation that we have put forth here and that we have gleaned from statements of team officials, it seems unlikely that United could fit another DP salary charge under their current cap. Also, it could be a convenient excuse for the team to its owner as they hope to line up one or two summer moves.

What do you think of this news? Did you want Del Piero on D.C. United?