Blanco reportedly reaches deal to stay with MLS

Cuautemoc Blanco, the Chicago Fire's designated player who has repaid the team's investment in him both in marketing power and on the field, has reportedly agreed to extend his agreement with the league for another year.

Just before the start of the Eastern Conference Finals match which pitted the Fire vs. the Columbus Crew for the right to contest the MLS title match, ESPN's Alan Hopkins reported that Blanco had reached an agreement with the league to stay on for his option year.

Blanco, who is known for his tricky moves and deft heel flick passes, signed with MLS in 2007, the same year that brought David Beckham into the league. Unlike the famous Englishman, though, Blanco's participation has been an unmitigated success, as the Fire have made the playoffs every year due in large part to Blanco's playmaking ability.

Blanco is the highest-paid player in the league, other than Beckham, earning a reported $2.7 million a year.

Originally, Blanco signed a relatively short deal with MLS for two years, but with a third year as an option.

The deal has yet to be officially announced by Blanco or MLS.