Well, that was a quick turnaround. The same sources that yesterday told ESPN that a deal for Rafael Marquez is imminent, today backtracked. According to ESPN, "due to a setback, the signing will not happen until at least the first week of August, but is going strong."

The snag seems to be nine million dollar transfer fee that Barcelona expects for its player. MLS teams rarely pay transfer fees; a nine million dollar one will smash all existing records.