Allocation money, as well as the undisclosed money, hasn't just helped Donovan get rich. Freddy Adu signed with D.C. United in 2004 for $550,000, whereas Kansas City's Eddie Johnson is making $875,000 and Chivas USA's Juan Francisco Palencia is making $1.3 million.

Money isn't the only obstacle RSL would have to jump through to obtain Beasley. There's another loophole in the system, and it's often referred to as the Donovan rule.

When Donovan announced his desire to return to the United States prior to the 2005 season, he made it perfectly clear he wanted to play in Los Angeles. There was only one problem, FC Dallas was at the top of the allocation list — essentially a priority list for big-name free agents. Unfortunately for Dallas, Donovan didn't want to play in Texas. So in a nutshell, the league demanded Dallas and Los Angeles work out a deal so Donovan would end up in his native Southern California. The Galaxy sent Carlos Ruiz to Dallas for the No. 1 allocation, a satisfying transaction for both parties.

As it stands now, Real Salt Lake is fourth in the allocation pecking order, behind Kansas City, Columbus and Dallas. It's doubtful all three of those teams will pass on a talented player like Beasley if he does indeed decide to return to MLS.

Nonetheless, if Beasley insists he'll only return if he's playing for Ellinger at Real Salt Lake, the league will make it happen just like it did with Donovan.

RSL no doubt hopes the deal is finalized before Aug. 31, so Beasley can help the club climb into a Western Conference playoff picture.

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E-mail: jedward@desnews.com