Toronto FC is considered the frontrunner to sign Jozy Altidore.

According to a source with knowledge of the negotiations, it's because of the club's higher standing in the league's allocation ranking.

The Portland Timbers also have a high level of willingness to meet Altidore's salary demands between $5 million and $6 million per season.

Toronto has a higher ranking (seventh) than Portland (ninth), and while it's possible that the Timbers could work out a trade with one of the teams above them to leapfrong Toronto, at present, TFC has the inside track.

"[For Altidore], it's not about dollars," said the source. "MLS is right to want a clear, consistent process. The blind draw was a bad look for the league."

Toronto would need to sell one of their designated players as they already have three.

A third team, the New York Red Bulls, was also reportedly interested in acquiring Altidore, but a source told ESPN's Doug McIntyre that the Red Bulls have balked at his financial demands.

Altidore has had a disappointing tenure with Sunderland.