Jermaine Jones reportedly in talks with MLS

Jermaine Jones has long been a key member of the United States national team, proving himself a capable of defensive midfielder who is capable of adding to the attack. After scoring the equalizing goal for the United States in their match against Portugal last week, he also has a bit more name recognition here.

Now, it appears he might be able to play that into a contract with MLS.

Peter Vermes says #MLS is talking to #USA MF Jermaine Jones. #SKC "in the mix" but has not talked to the player directly.

— Keith Hickey (@usarsnl) June 28, 2014

Last year, Jones reportedly made about $1 million while playing about half a season with Turkish power Besiktas after transferring from Schalke 04 of the Bundesliga. Jones helped guide Besiktas to third in the Super Lig, allowing them into qualifying rounds of Champions League next season. He'll officially be out of contract on Monday and will likely have options, including Besiktas and possibly some Bundesliga teams. There would likely be several MLS teams interested in Jones, even at a Designated Player price.

But how he'd be allocated is far from clear. Although MLS has stated DPs don't go through the Allocation Order, the Philadelphia Union had to use their spot to select Maurice Edu.

The team currently atop the Allocation Order is Toronto FC. They would probably be interest, especially as a potential midfield mate of Michael Bradley, but they have the maximum three DPs. The Columbus Crew are the next team in the order, could surely use Jones, but might not be willing to spend the money. Jones could potentially slip all the way to the sixth spot in the Allocation Order where the Chicago Fire have the open DP spot, would probably be willing to spend the money and could offer the kind of big-market exposure Jones would likely be seeking.