More Mexican stars flirt with MLS

In the days of the Designated Player, no over-30 former superstar is out of Major League Soccer's reach.

The advent of the rule hasn't only landed such players as Claudio López and Marcelo Gallardo, it's also linked an extraordinary number of such players to MLS. But it seems the interest might be misplaced.

Since leaving Arsenal and failing to produce in a similar fashion with Barcelona, French superstar Thierry Henry seems a natural fit to join MLS as a DP. However, the ideal player is another former England Premier League player.

While Henry would make headlines, landing Jared Borgetti would be a greater, longer-lasting accomplishment.

Now, Borgetti is not the talent Henry is. Henry has won a World Cup and a European Championship; Borgetti has one Mexican league title to his credit. Henry made his name by scoring goals in one of the world's elite leagues while Borgetti had problems finding time in the same league.

Despite all of his exploits for both France and Arsenal, Henry doesn't measure up to Borgetti in one critical element: Borgetti enjoys far more support from fans stateside. Legions of fans on this side of the pond have cheered "The Desert Fox" on for the mere fact that he has worn the Mexican national-team jersey regularly for nearly eight years.

A built-in fan base? Borgetti would seem to have that more than Henry. Knowledgeable fans who remember Borgetti's clutch goals? Yes, the fans here know what Borgetti is capable of. His goal in the 2002 World Cup against Italy will likely be forever revered and remembered. His goals against Brazil and the U.S. also stand out.

Close to joining MLS? A lot closer than Henry, sources say. Now 34, Borgetti had been linked to both Colorado and Kansas City prior to this season, but Borgetti instead chose to join Monterrey. After suffering through spells in England and Saudi Arabia, Borgetti showed he still has a scorer's touch by scoring four goals in the Clausura '08 regular season and another four in the playoffs.

His spark has earned him a spot on the Mexican national team yet again after his days appeared to have been over under deposed coach Hugo Sánchez.

And his path may rightfully take him to the U.S. after all. Sources close to the negotiations told SI.com that both San Jose and Houston have spoken with Borgetti. Whether or not the Mexican legend is willing to come to terms with either club, or another MLS team, remains to be seen.