Report: Colorado Rapids have 1st shot at potential MLS signing Carlos Vela

The Colorado Rapids will be first in line to sign Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela if he leaves the La Liga club in January, according to ESPNFC's Jeff Carlisle.

Vela reportedly requested a transfer from Sociedad, with Major League Soccer a potential stop for the 26-year-old.

Related - Report: Carlos Vela seeking Real Sociedad exit to join MLS

It's uncertain whether the Rapids want to sign Vela, but general manager Paul Bravo confirmed to ESPNFC that his club is interested in the player.

By virtue of the league's discovery process, which allows MLS clubs to submit requests for potential designated players, the Rapids have the first right of refusal on Vela. The Chicago Fire have the next say and could offer allocation money to the Rapids if they want to make the trade.

Earlier in the year, Chicago received money from the Montreal Impact for the right to sign Didier Drogba. Now, the Fire could move to fill their vacant Designated Player slot, and Vela's reportedly targeting Chicago, as well as the San Jose Earthquakes, as possible destinations.

But Carlisle believes Colorado may splash the cash on Vela based on its willingness to spend this season. The Rapids brought in Argentine midfielder Juan Ramirez and Ireland international Kevin Doyle as DPs. Doyle is guaranteed $1.17 million, but Carlisle contends that Vela would demand "much higher than that."

Negotiations are still "far apart," a league source told the reporter, but the goal is to sign the Mexico international by early 2016.