photo by Ron Chenoy/USA Today Sports

By FRANCO PANIZO

In comes one Argentine, and out goes another.

A little more than two weeks after signing Lucas Melano to a Designated Player deal, the Timbers announced on Monday that they have mutually agreed to part ways with attacker Gaston Fernandez. The 31-year-old Fernandez, who signed with the club in January 2014, had been limited to just six league starts this year.

“We would like to thank Gastón for his contributions to the club the past two seasons,” said Timbers general manager Gavin Wilkinson in a statement. “We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

In his year-and-a-half at the club, Fernandez played in 53 MLS games. He scored nine goals, two of which came this season, and delivered four assists.

Here are more news and notes from around MLS:

SOUNDERS HOPEFUL MARTINS CAN RETURN FROM INJURY THIS WEEKEND

The Seattle Sounders welcomed back one half of their star-studded attacking duo this past Saturday, and they are hoping to do the same with the other half this weekend.

Obafemi Martins has missed the last eight games for the Sounders because of an adductor injury, but could make his way back to action for the struggling club in Sunday’s road game vs. the LA Galaxy. Seattle has struggled to score goals in recent weeks due to the absences of Martins and Clint Dempsey – who returned last weekend – but there’s a chance both could once again play together atop the attack at StubHub Center.

“I think he’s getting closer,” Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid told reporters on Monday. “He went through training today and it’s each day getting through training, making sure there’s no setbacks as we look at the next day, continue to move forward. This week, we’re hoping he can make it back, but we have to go day by day and we’ll see.”

The 30-year-old Nigerian forward, who suffered the injury in a U.S. Open Cup match on June 17, has been stellar when he’s been on the field this season. Martins so far has seven goals and four assists in 11 league appearances for the Sounders.

RSL REPORTEDLY SET TO SIGN ARGENTINE ATTACKER MARTINEZ

A reinforcement is reportedly on his way to Real Salt Lake.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported on Monday that RSL has come to verbal terms with Argentina forward Juan Manuel Martinez, who currently plays for powerhouse Boca Juniors in his native land. Martinez, 29, has netted 12 times in 76 appearances for Boca Juniors, and is reportedly expected to serve in a wide role for RSL.

Martinez has spent much of his career in South America. He began playing professional with Argentine outfit Velez Sarsfield back in 2003.

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Surprised to see Fernandez leave Portland? Expecting to see Martins play this weekend? How do you think Martinez will fare with RSL?

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