Guillermo Will Be Back

According to the Dispatch, it's as good as done, and will be announced later this week.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Indications are that a deal is done and could be announced this week.

A team source said last week that Schelotto, the league and MLS Cup MVP, will return, possibly as a designated player if that's what it takes. A designated player doesn't count against the salary cap.

Schelotto had an option year remaining on his contract, and if MLS were to exercise it, he would have to be made a designated player and the first $415,000 of his reported $600,000 salary would count against the $2.3 million cap. The rest would have to be picked up by Hunt Sports Group, which owns the Crew.

A renegotiation of his contract is also possible. Technically, he is out of contract today if his option is not picked up, but Schelotto indicated last week that he was willing to do what it took -- within reason -- to extend his stay in Columbus by a year or two.

How he would be compensated is unclear, but the Crew does have some league allocation money to use to buy down Schelotto's salary number.

Of course, the Crew wants the man who was named the SI Latino sportsman of the year to remain, but his age does provide pause. Schelotto will turn 36 next May.