Fire trying hard to acquire McBride

With the summer transfer window officially open, the Chicago Fire still has not been able to acquire the MLS rights to forward Brian McBride from Toronto FC.

And it appears the only way something will happen is if the league steps in.

"There's nothing more I can say," Fire technical director Frank Klopas said recently. "I wish I could tell you it's a done deal, but it's not. There's nothing to say at this point. But both sides are talking."

Toronto is believed to want the Fire to trade young players Justin Mapp, Chris Rolfe or Chad Barrett for the 36-year-old McBride, an Arlington Heights native who wants to return home after 4 seasons in the English Premier League.

"We want the guy, but on the other hand you have to make the best decision for the team," Klopas said.

McBride's next playing time could come with the U.S. Olympic team in China. U.S. coach Peter Nowak will announce his roster at noon Thursday, and McBride is expected to be one of three over-age players named to what otherwise is a U-23 squad.