Dynamo move to top of MLS allocation order

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The Dynamo are in prime position to add a top-level American player if one makes himself available to MLS.

Houston on Wednesday moved to the top of the MLS Allocation Order after Vancouver Whitecaps FC traded for the No. 1 spot and acquired forward Fredy Montero on loan from his Chinese club.

The allocation list is reserved for U.S. Men's National Team, youth national team players and players returning to MLS after being transferred out for more than $500,000.

"That is definitely a coveted spot," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said. "It is a position we like to be in."

Last year, Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia) and Tim Howard (Colorado) moved to MLS under that provision. This year the Juninho returned to the Chicago Fire on loan from Mexico's Club Tijuana.

Noteworthy players on the list are Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Monchengladbach), Matt Miazga (Chelsea), DeAndre Yedlin (Newcastle) and Fabian Castillo (Trabzonspor).

Landing a player of that caliber on a permanent basis likely would require a hefty transfer fee the Dynamo have not shown a track record of being willing to pay. Like this offseason's cases with Montero and Juninho, a loan is possible, too.

Perhaps the most likely scenario is the Dynamo trading the No. 1 spot to acquire other assets before the end of the 2017 season because that is when the allocation list resets based on the new standings.

"That is definitely a coveted spot," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said. "It is a position we like to be in." "That is definitely a coveted spot," Dynamo general manager Matt Jordan said. "It is a position we like to be in." Photo: Bob Levey, For The Chronicle Photo: Bob Levey, For The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Dynamo move to top of MLS allocation order 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Nothing is expected to happen soon, but Jordan said having the option to do something significant is a big deal in and of itself.

"It is important for us to evaluate the right opportunity," Jordan said. "It has to be the right player, the right fit, the right moment."

MLS Allocation List:

Player Current club Classification

Juan Anangono LDU Quito (ECU) Transfer

Deshorn Brown Shenzhen (CHI) Transfer

Geoff Cameron Stoke City (ENG) Transfer

Fabian Castillo Trabzonspor (TUR) Transfer

Junior Flores Borussia Dortmund (GER) Youth USMNT

Giancarlo Gonzalez Palermo (ITA) Transfer

Omar Gonzalez Pachuca (MEX) Transfer

Julian Green VfB Stuttgart (GER) Youth USMNT

Doneil Henry West Ham Utd (ENG) Transfer

Aron Johannsson Werder Bremen (GER) Core Senior USMNT

Fabian Johnson Borussia Monchengladbach (GER) Core Senior USMNT

Obafemi Martins Shanghai Greenland Shenhua (CHN) Transfer

Matt Miazga Chelsea (ENG) Transfer

Andy Najar Anderlecht (BEL) Transfer

Krisztian Nemeth Al-Gharafa (QAR) Transfer

Kwadwo Poku Miami FC (NASL) Transfer

Christian Pulisic Borussia Dortmund (GER) Youth USMNT

Tim Ream Fulham (ENG) Transfer

Octavio Rivero Colo Colo (CHI) Transfer

Alan Rochat BSC Young Boys (SWI) Transfer

Oriol Rosell Sporting Clube (POR) Transfer

Rubio Rubin FC Utrecht (NED) Youth USMNT

Richard Sanchez UANL Tigres (MEX) Transfer

Camilo Sanvezzo Queretaro (MEX) Transfer

Jose Adolfo Valencia Santa Fe (COL) Transfer

Jorge Villafana Santos Laguna (MEX) Transfer

DeAndre Yedlin Newcastle (ENG) Transfer