Sitting 21st overall at Friday’s MLS SuperDraft, Toronto FC contemplated moving into the top-10, but never made a call.

They had another discussion to trade up to No. 15, but “thought it was too close to No. 21,” according to TFC president Bill Manning.

The Reds selected highly-touted centreback Brandon Aubrey (Notre Dame) as the first round came to a close. Then they were out the door.

Toronto FC’s top brass packed up and exited the draft floor when it was revealed they’d traded two early second-round picks to Chicago for $75,000 in Targeted Allocation Money.

“I always want to be a receiver,” Manning said explaining the moves. “We want to be in a position of strength — which is good. We were receiving calls. A year ago we were making some calls.

“The opportunity came to us (to trade the picks) and when we looked on our draft board, we didn’t have anyone high up. None of the guys were going to make our first team.

“We had two teams that offered us money. Finally, we took the Chicago deal.”

Coach Greg Vanney later called it the “Bruce Arena Special.” The Reds “took the money and ran,” he told the Toronto Sun.

NO HARD FEELINGS

TFC’s top brass were well aware of Will Johnson’s recent comments to the Toronto Star.

Following a move to Orlando City last month, the ex-TFC midfielder said he felt disrespected by the way things ended in his first and only season in Toronto.

Johnson’s playing time dwindled following a mid-season injury. He made just one start during last season’s playoff run.

“Will and I had a long talk before he left. He aired some grievances with me,” Manning said. “I think the world of Will. These situations are always difficult. I’ve been through them before. There’s two sides to a story.”

The Reds might have brought Johnson back at a lower budget number after the Portland Timbers picked up half of his salary last season.

However, Johnson’s role under head coach Greg Vanney wasn’t certain.

“I won’t use the word ‘unfortunate.’ It just happens,” Manning added. “You saw Herculez Gomez make some comments when I left, as well.

“We’re not upset with Will. He was frustrated. He didn’t say anything he didn’t say to me over the phone.”

Toronto’s front office still credits Johnson with helping improve the team’s defensive mindset.

MYSTERIOUS PREMIER LEAGUE

We don’t know when or where, but we know it’s coming.

The Canadian Premier League — its unofficial name — is expected to be unveiled this year.

Canadian Soccer Association president Victor Montagliani told the Sun before Christmas that prospective ownership groups from more than a dozen cities have expressed interest in acquiring a team.

Then there’s Toronto FC — which has repeatedly stated it wants to be involved in forming an all-Canadian league.

The club’s top brass will sit down in the coming weeks with Hamilton Ticats head honcho Scott Mitchell, who’s at the forefront of forming the CPL.

“We want to have a good, positive relationship,” Manning said. “I’m going to be open to see what they have to say.”

It’s unclear what role — if any — Canada’s three MLS clubs will play. Multiple reports have indicated CPL officials are wary of having MLS sides use the CPL as a place for their USL-affiliates to play. They don’t want it to seem minor league.

“I’m OK with (our possible CPL team) not being called TFC II, but it’s still going to be the same thing,” Manning said.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE UPDATE

The Reds won’t play any CONCACAF Champions League games this year — as far as they know.

TFC qualified for the 2017-18 CCL by way of winning last year’s Canadian Championship.

But incoming changes will see the 2017-18 tournament begin next February instead of this summer.

Furthermore, all five MLS qualifiers are expected to bypass the CCL group phase and enter a 16-team knockout tournament.

Seeding remains to be seen, but the Canadian qualifier’s seed — assuming it’s an MLS club — could be assigned via MLS standings.

They’d otherwise be in jeopardy of being paired with a Liga MX side during the opening round of next year’s tournament.

SEEN AND HEARD

Both the Reds and Nick Hagglund are eager to extend the central defender’s stay in Toronto, the Sun has learned. A new contract could be formalized soon, sources confirmed … No need to fear a delayed announcement concerning Benoit Cheyrou’s future in Toronto. The French midfielder remains on course to be signed ahead of this season … Sebastian Giovinco might be boycotting the league. The Atomic Ant didn’t travel to L.A. for next week’s media and marketing events. It’s believed he’s still upset he didn’t win league MVP. However, TFC says he’s busy with his newborn’s baptism. Perhaps it’s a bit of both … The Reds should be ready to reveal a new kit deal within the next three weeks, the Sun has learned. Toronto FC’s one-year jersey extension with BMO ended last season. All Manning would say is that “life has been good for TFC in the past year.” But after BMO inked a new, 10-year stadium naming rights deal last year, it’s unlikely they’d walk away … The Reds are more interested in inviting unattached right fullbacks into preseason than drafting one … Overheard late last year and confirmed a few more times at the draft: MLS players could soon face bigger fines for refusing to talk to the media.

klarson@postmedia.com