The Million Dollar Man

As you may know, each team in MLS is able to use one slot on their roster to pay a player outside of the salary cap. This rule has created what has affectionately become known as the "Designated Player". For examples, see Beckham, Blanco, and Juan Pablo Angel.

The Crew are said to be in the market for a DP of their own. And rumor has it that last year they offered Brian McBride $1 million to come back to his former team. Sadly, that amounts to about 17 British pounds, and he decided to stay on with Fulham.

Assuming the Black and Gold are willing to spend at least that figure, who might they be looking to grab in the transfer window? Here are the latest rumored players who could be the one:

Jacek Krzynowek - 31 year-old midfielder with a cannon for a left leg. He plays for Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and has caps for the Polish national team.

Reason for Rumor: Wolfsburg has had some shakeups in the front office, and could be looking to make some deals. Also, Sigi has connections to Germany, and Warzycha to Poland.



Maciej Zurawski - 31 year-old forward whose nickname is "Magic". Also a Polish national.

Reason for Rumor: He has been linked to the Gals, so there's a chance he's looking to make a move to the states. Also, the connections to Eastern Europe as mentioned above.

Doubts: He could come with a hefty transfer fee. Are the Hunt's pockets deep enough? Would he be worth it?



And finally, in unlikely-but-we-can-dream-can't-we rumors,

Benny Fielhaber - 22 year-old midfielder who has shown plenty of spark with the USMNT.

Reason for Rumor: Word has it there is some interest in transferring him from Derby County to MLS. He had been rumored to be going to Israel. Also, his connections to Sigi Schmid cannot be ignored.

Doubts: He's quite expensive, and might be out of the pocket reach for the Crew. Also, he would be a natural fit for expansion side San Jose.



Let's put it this way. If the Crew ended up with any of these three players, they would have to be considered a top 5 team on paper. These guys are that good. Hopefully the Crew can get one of them.