Jozy Altidore’s return to Major League Soccer is looking more likely by the day. Following the news of his supposed desire to leave Sunderland a few months back, many Major League Soccer clubs were interested in bringing the American home.

However, Altidore on numerous occasions has said that he does not want a return to Major League Soccer, wishing to continue his challenge of playing for some of the top clubs in Europe. But with no offers for the forward, it would seem that the American is beginning to warm up to the idea of returning home.

ESPN’s Taylor Twellman tweeted that three MLS clubs were keen on acquiring Altidore. Portland Timbers, Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls were said to be the leading candidates for the American star.

But with the Allocation system being enforced, Toronto FC are now in the driver’s seat, and have the best chance to seal the deal. Toronto FC sits as the highest ranked club that has openly admitted its willingness to meet Altidore’s salary demands. Portland sits ninth while the Red Bulls sit 16th. All three clubs can trade to move higher up in the allocation rankings, but will probably need to give up high value assets to do so.

Another major snag — Toronto FC and Portland currently have no open designated player slots. Altidore could be signed on a standard contract, but his entire salary would count towards the club’s salary cap. It is unlikely that Portland will be able to trade one of their designated players, while Toronto are looking to sell forward Jermain Defoe.

The New York Red Bulls on the other hand, have an open designated player spot following the retirement of Thierry Henry. Though the club looks out of the race to sign their former star, the Red Bulls seem like an obvious choice for Altidore — being his former club, plus what a way to sock NYCFC in the mouth as the club tries to take back New York.

However, the club would need to make a major move in the allocation order to even have a chance at signing Altidore, something that they’re probably not willing to do, as they attempt to rebuild following Henry’s departure.

Many American soccer fans will be drooling over Michael Bradley feeding passes up to Altidore. If the club cannot succeed and make a run at the MLS Cup with both American stars, they will never compete for a title.

Jozy Altidore looks set to return to Major League Soccer, but not to the U.S. He will be heading north of the border, and will look to regain his star form with upcoming league giant, Toronto FC.