January Transfer Rumors: Why Brek Shea Should Stay in MLS

Brek Shea has emerged as the next best thing to come out of Major League Soccer and possibly the next best thing for the American national team as well.

Shea has had a breakout season with FC Dallas and has emerged as one of the candidates to win the Most Valuable Player award. The 21-year-old midfielder has also been a main part of Jurgen Klinsmann's squad since the German took over the American national team this summer.

Shea has been a fixture on the wing for FC Dallas and keeps finding himself in the same position at the international level as he has started the last three friendlies for the United States.

The rumors have been swirling around Shea for the past couple weeks as it has been reported that Manchester United and Liverpool are after the services of the player.

The question now for Shea and MLS, is should he go overseas and fight for a starting spot or play domestically as a full time starter for another year or two to develop his skills and live up to his full potential.

The latest example of a player making a move from MLS too early to go overseas is Jozy Altidore, who spent a few years trying to get first-team football after signing with Villarreal in Spain in 2008 and only found a full-time starting position this season after transferring to AZ Alkmaar in Holland.

The case of Shea is delicate one to handle for MLS, who will control the transfer if a deal gets done, as the midfielder just signed a four year deal with FC Dallas. MLS has two options, they can either cash in on the young star or keep him in the league and hope his stock rises.

Major League Soccer's best option would be to hold on to Shea and use the case of Altidore as perfect example of a young player cashing in on potential too early and not getting enough playing time.

Shea should spend at least another year or two playing with FC Dallas as he can develop his skills and more importantly get starts in the national team, as Klinsmann has focused on getting players from MLS into his squad for friendlies.

A move overseas would only hurt Shea's career and it would also hurt his availability for the American national team as well.

For now, the big clubs in England will have to put a pause on the pursuit of Brek Shea, because he should not be leaving Major League Soccer any time soon.