Fabian Espindola has emerged as a must-do on Real Salt Lake's off-season agenda.
The Utah-based club are determined to retain the Argentine forward who scored 10 goals and provide three assists this term with head coach Jason Kresi confirming that they are trying to fit him in the salary cap for 2012.
"The one that's first and foremost on our mind is Fabian Espindola," Kreis said. "I believe that there is an option there that we've got to figure out if we can pick up, and, quite frankly, figure out whether or not we can afford."
And RSL general manager Garth Lagerwey also admitted it may be a difficult task holding onto the former Boca Juniors man.
"I think that Fabian is tricky, for sure," Lagerwey said. "It's expensive. It's a big option. And basically you've got to decide if Fabian's a Best XI striker or not, and if you think he is, then it's easy.
"Fabi had his best year of his career for us. He was a major, major contributor. I think he's an excellent player. It's less about Fabian's contract, and more about the salary cap."