Overnight Observations

Not sure when I will be able to update you Wednesday, so I'll give ya what I've got now at this wee hour.

*Brad Guzan has been granted permission to leave U.S. training camp at Home Depot Center. No further comment from the USSF, but I don't think I am going out on a limb saying he's headed to England to finalize a deal with Aston Villa. Soccer by Ives reported Villa made a $4 million offer to Chivas USA/MLS. Guzan is scheduled to return in time for the Mexico match next week in Houston.

*Speaking of the American lads, the coaching staff is hoping to finalize the list of Euro-based players enlisted to face El Tri in the coming days and announce the complete match roster at the end of the week. MF Kyle Beckerman has left camp at HDC because of a foot injury. Ticket sales have surpassed 47,000.

*On the Christian Gomez front, a source with knowledge of the possible trade between D.C. United and Colorado for his MLS rights says that, although they are still awaiting 100 percent confirmation, "it's going to happen." Which means Gomez has reached a deal on a contract with the Rapids. Let's see how this unfolds later in the week.

*To read my Marcelo Gallardo print-edition story, kindly click here.

*Word out of France is that Andrew Jacobson, United's second-round draft pick from Cal, is training with Lorient. News to me. I'll follow up with the club as soon as possible.

That's it for now. I hope to rejoin you at some point Wednesday -- at a normal hour. In the interim, feel free to discuss any footy topics.