Reports: Columbus, Vancouver had Kei Kamara trade in place

The Sierra Leone striker became available after a bizarre incident involving teammate Federico Higuain.

MLS's deadline for intra-league moves came and went Wednesday night, but not without one massive move that didn't get over the finish line. 

According to multiple reports, Columbus Crew SC and the Vancouver Whitecaps had a deal in place to swap Kei Kamara for Octavio Rivero, with both players said to have been informed of the deal before it ultimately did not go through. 

Kamara became available after an incident with teammate Federico Higuain in last Saturday's 4-4 draw with the Montreal Whitecaps. Kamara and Higuain argued at length over who would take a penalty kick–Kamara needed one more goal to complete a hat trick–with Columbus up 3-1 at the time. Higuain wound up taking it and converting, but Columbus capsized and conceded three goals to settle for the point. 

Kamara lashed out as Higuain through the media in his post-game remarks and was suspended for one game by the club for his actions. 

• ABNOS: What on earth went down between Kamara, Higuain?

League source says dominoes may be aligned for deal sending Kamara to Vancouver. DP Octavio Rivero might be involved. #CrewSC

— Shawn Mitchell (@shecky218) May 12, 2016

I can confirm that this trade talk rumor has legs. We'll see if the Crew and Whitecaps get it done. #ClockIsTicking https://t.co/enhDVEp4Jp

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 12, 2016

Two sources close to the situation say Kamara to Vancouver deal is not done at this moment. #CrewSC

— Shawn Mitchell (@shecky218) May 12, 2016

Latest I'm told on Kamara-Rivero is it is NOT happening. Unclear what went down just before deadline but players HAD been informed of deal

— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) May 12, 2016

Kamara signed a new Designated Player deal with Columbus through 2018 following an off-season contract dispute after his 22-game season. He has scored five goals in nine games so far this season.

It appears he'll remain with Columbus despite the attempt to deal him for Vancouver's 24-year-old Designated Player, who has come under his own criticism for a lack of production. The Uruguayan has one goal in 10 games this season following a 10-goal campaign in his first season in MLS. Five of those 10 came in his first six games. He was not used in Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire.

Vancouver brass has denied reports of such a deal.