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          Steve Birnbaum seals new deal to remain with D.C. United

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          Video via MLS: Many tools of Birnbaum (2:45)

          MLSsoccer.com's Russ Thaler and former MLS striker Calen Carr evaluate some USMNT players who will be important for their clubs during the upcoming playoff push. (2:45)

          • ESPN staffDec 2, 2016, 06:39 PM

          Steve Birnbaum has completed the signing of a new multi-year contract with D.C. United, the MLS club announced on Friday.

          The length of the deal was not confirmed but sources told ESPN FC on Tuesday that it is for four years.

          D.C. named Birnbaum, 25, as its most valuable player and defender of the year for his efforts in 2016, his third season with the team after being selected with the No. 2 overall pick in 2014.

          "Through his work ethic and unwavering competitiveness, Steve has developed into a top central defender in MLS," United general manager Dave Kasper said in a statement.

          "Steve has become a leader in the locker room and has made a strong connection with his teammates, our fans and the city of Washington, D.C., and we are thrilled to have secured the long-term future of another talented young player as we move into 2017 and beyond."

          Birnbaum, who played for the United States at the Copa America this summer, had long been the subject of transfer speculation to Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.

          But D.C. United consistently rebuffed outside interest over the past year and, with the new contract, has secured Birnbaum as another key cornerstone for its future, after securing the permanent transfer of playmaker Luciano Acosta from Boca Juniors earlier this month.