Chicago Fire leave no mystery, issue list of foreign targets

Todays Chicago Tribune publishied a list of players that they are targeting for their Designated Player spot. In addition to names, the article also lists reasons why certain players would be of interest. Below is the list sans article.

10. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, 33 (Mexico): Blanco is the marquee name the Fire has been lacking, and he's as "flamboyant" as it gets on the field. But do the Fire want to give a large contract to a player who could be a headache in the locker room?

9. Miroslav Szymkowiak, 30 (Poland): The Fire could use a midfielder who is creative and strong on both defense and the attack.

8. Andriy Vorobei, 28 (Ukraine): Often overlooked are the many Ukrainian fans that could be courted by the Fire. A Ukrainian goal scorer with World Cup experience would help.

7. Denilson, 29 (Brazil): If MLS can land Ronaldo, why not his lesser-known teammate from the 2002 World Cup winning team? Denilson is currently wooing fans with his stepovers in Saudi Arabia.

6. Edgar Davids, 33 (Netherlands): Davids would add world-class experience to a young Fire team, and his goggles and braids make him extremely marketable.

5. Maciej Zurawski, 30 (Poland): Remember the masses of Polish fans that used to attend Fire games? Zurawski could bring them back if the Fire can pry him away from Celtic FC.

4. Jared Borgetti, 33 (Mexico): Borgetti is winding down his career in Saudi Arabia, but a solid offer from the Fire could put El Tri's all-time leading scorer closer to home and give the Fire its biggest Mexican star since Jorge Campos.

3. Luis Figo, 34 (Portugal): With Red Bulls' Bruce Arena showing little interest in Figo and the Revolution rarely showing interest in spending, the Fire could fill their right midfielder problem with one of the world's best at the position.

2. Adolfo Bautista, 27 (Mexico): Want a little personality in your designated player? This Chivas fan favorite is known simply as "Bofo", his bald head makes him instantly recognizable, and he wears the number 100 on his jersey.

1. Pavel Nedved, 34 (Czech Republic): Nedved's world-class status would bring in soccer die-hards and the curious. His sharp dribbling and dead-on shots from beyond 20 yards would bring them back. He showed he could still pick apart defenses against the U.S. in the 2006 World Cup and would give the Fire a playmaker alongside Justin Mapp.

It's great to see clubs sharing so much information but should Chicago not be able to land a single player from this list they are going to look like the guy who says he's bringing the cheerleader to the prom but shows up with some chick who is the marching band manager