This much is for certain: the Crew is not in the process of trying to sign Chicharito.

Other than that, Crew coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter remains confident that at least one new player will be signed before the summer transfer window closes August 6. After today's training session at the Crew's facility in Obetz, Berhalter said he has narrowed the Crew's list of candidates to only finalists.

So what remains to be completed in order to bring new blood to the Crew roster?

This much is for certain: the Crew is not in the process of trying to sign Chicharito.

Other than that, Crew coach and sporting director Gregg Berhalter remains confident that at least one new player will be signed before the summer transfer window closes August 6. After today�s training session at the Crew�s facility in Obetz, Berhalter said he has narrowed the Crew�s list of candidates to only finalists.

So what remains to be completed in order to bring new blood to the Crew roster?

�We�re past that (scouting) process, so it�s every other thing that you need to finish a deal that�s still in play,� Berhalter said today. �There�s a lot. Think about it. There could be a lot of different things. Tons of different things.�

Berhalter declined to name how many finalists the Crew was focusing on but said the list is � short and sweet.�

�I don�t know if we need to get that specific, but we�re working on some things,� he said. �Now it�s the process of finishing it, which is complicated. To be honest, there�s difficulties in bringing players to the MLS and working within MLS. We�re working through it now though, but I�m confident.�

Those difficulties include MLS�s salary cap, which this year is listed at $3.1 million. Designated players signed now who are 23 years or older would carry a budget charge of $193,750 for the remainder of the 2014 season.

Berhalter and Crew investor-operator Anthony Precourt have both said that the Crew is remaining meticulous in its search and will only bring in players that meet an extensive list of criteria. One of them, apparently, is the willingness to play defense – something Berhalter�s system asks of everyone on the field, even forwards. The Crew is looking to make at least one signing and is primarily focused on the attacking end of the field.

In addition, the Crew now sits atop MLS�s allocation ranking. According to the league�s roster rules, the allocation order is �used to determine which MLS club has first priority to acquire a U.S. National Team player who signs with MLS after playing abroad, or a former MLS player who returns to the League after having gone to a club abroad for a transfer fee.�

�I think it�s great,� Berhalter said. �I think there�s a number of possibilities for us. If you look at potential guys who could perhaps be coming back, I think it�s exciting. It is putting us in position to potentially get one of those guys.�

Crew fans have floated Jozy Altidore as a name they would like to see the Crew acquire via the allocation ranking.

�I think it is interesting,� Berhalter said. But when asked if acquiring Altidore is realistic for the Crew, Berhalter said, �I don�t know. I have no idea.�

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy