A report surfaced earlier this week that linked Columbus Crew SC to Venezuelan forward/winger Jhon Murillo currently at Benfica. Murillo has yet to make an appearance for Benfica and has been on loan to Portuguese side C.D. Tondela for the past two years. He returned from Tondela and was listed by Benfica.

Reports note that Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia and Portuguese club Estoril are interested in Murillo’s services. Crew SC’s undisclosed bid was rejected.

Kristian Dyer has more details on the reported bid. According to his league sources Crew SC submitted a bid in the $3 million range to in an attempt to land the player on full transfer. The transfer fee would count as part of his salary budget number and likely put him in the Designated Player bracket.

Interestingly, due to Murillo’s age his “budget charge” would be discounted under The Young Designated Player rule that MLS has in place.

Young Designated Player A Designated Player 23 years old or younger during the league year (age of player is determined by year - not date - of birth) will carry the following Young Designated Player Budget Charge: Ages 20 and younger: $150,000 Ages 21-23: $200,000 If such Designated Player joins the club after the opening of the Secondary Transfer Window, he will carry the Mid-Season Youth Designated Player Salary Budget Charge of $150,000 regardless of age.

The MLS transfer window opens up on July 10th and closes on August 9th. If Murillo is on the transfer list, Benfica will likely look to move him quickly before they open their training camp in earnest.