According to Jermaine Jones, talks of him signing a contract with Chicago were premature:

There is still a chance that the Fire can add Jones, but their current contract offer of $6 million over two and a half years has not been enough to entice the midfielder to sign.

According to head coach Frank Yallop:

“We have interest in the player, for sure,” Yallop said. “We’ve spoken to the agent, but at this point there’s nothing to add until someone agrees or it gets concluded. The truth of the matter is we have interest in the player, but nothing has been finalized yet. That’s all I can say on it for now.”

While the actual play on the pitch has been yawn-inspiring in Chicago, as the Fire played to their 12th draw in 20 MLS contests last night holding down Vancouver 0-0 at Toyota Park, the real excitement comes off the field as the Fire are set to add USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones.

Jones became famous this past June with an incredible goal against Portugal that caused the entire country to rise to its feet, and elicited the most ridiculous reaction from the Portugal keeper who simply stood stone-cold, watching the ball enter the net:

Upon his arrival, Jermaine Jones will immediately become one of the top midfielders in MLS.  As an attacking midfielder, Jones will provide the Fire will a much needed spark on offense and will hopefully help turn one point draws into three point wins.  As the Fire rebuild with youth, adding a veteran like 33-year-old Jones should provide the squad with leadership, as well as much needed talent as they push for a playoff spot.

Chicago currently sits in eight place out of ten teams in the Eastern Conference with 21 total points.  The top five teams in each conference make it through to the playoffs and ahead of the Fire is Philadelphia with 23 points and New York with 25, while New England, Columbus and Toronto are all tied with 26 points.

The Fire will host Columbus at Toyota Park this Saturday night at 7:30 pm.