The St. Louis native has appeared in just five matches since coming over from New England last winter, who still hold his league rights.

With a trade arranged and the player ready to sign, the mystery problem lies within the amount of the Crew's salary offer.

"New England has the claim to him and we're not disappointed in that," Crew technical director Brian Bliss told the Columbus Dispatch. "We're disappointed in the process being used to get him back in the league."

"We're not against giving what we and New England believe to be fair compensation - the hang-up is in the compensation package."