Montreal Impact owner Joe Saputo says he's once again intererested in pursuing an MLS franchise, perhaps even in time for the 2011 season.

The biggest reason, Saputo says, is that the province of Quebec may be willing to spend C$25 million on an expansion of Saputo Stadium, increasing capacity to MLS standards. Of course, MLS is now being a little less fussy about stadium standards now that Seattle is kicking butt in Qwest Field and pretty much breaking every MLS stadium standard.

But we've heard the biggest reason is that MLS has lowered its expansion fees. In public, the number now used by MLS officials is $35 million (U.S.), payable over five years. That's down from $40 million (U.S.) upfront. Plus, we've been told that number is negotiable and could be lowered if teams reach certain attendance and revenue figures. Those are some pretty signficant incentives for an outfit like Saputo's.