Any chance Barca deal could include goody basket?

Major League Soccer signed a marketing partnership with FC Barcelona this week, creating a two-way brand hawking agreement that also includes a U.S. match tour by the Spanish giants in 2008. As per usual, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

A strategic marketing partnership is nice, but is there any way that FC Barcelona can throw MLS a few players. Maybe use MLS as a secondary reserve squad, an offseason proving ground or for older players who would be sold off anyway? I'm not suggesting they would send over Lionel Messi, but what about a player like Edmilson whose contract will end this year.

The 31-year-old Brazilian defender was linked to a move to Newcastle already, but given Barca's new strategic partnership, maybe we could work out a deal. He might be a nice fit for struggling Chivas USA who have struggled in defense, allowing a league-high 15 goals in seven matches (LA also has allowed 15 goals but doesn't have the payroll space).

Or for those of you afraid of old Brazilians (Denilson-phobia) might I suggest MLS politely asking for a couple of youngsters from Barcelona B. They will probably decline, but we might be able to get a player or two on loan since the MLS season doesn't really interfere with the bulk of the Spanish football season. Perhaps, Israeli striker Gai Assulin, 17, would be interested in playing stateside for a few months.