John Strong posted this set of updates from his Twitter account.

• Okay now, here’s what I got late this afternoon from a high ranking Timbers source: new *Columbian* forward is “one e-mail away” from done
• Announcement could come any day this week once all t’s are crossed, etc, will include announcements on USL Timbers too (you can guess)
• This guy’s highlight reel is “tantalizing” and he’d likely be the 2nd “for sure” forward in a 4-4-2, all things being equal
• The central MF they’re chasing has actually been the same guy all along, it’s just been a crazy process, “multiple parties to deal with”
• Given his unique situation, “we’ll find out one way or another in early Feb, some is out of our control, but we have backup options”

The second hint clearly refers to Adin Brown.  The forward signing was probably what the front office hinted last week … Read the rest

The European mid-season transfer window is approaching, which is the time of year when most European clubs allow transfers between countries. England, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Scotland and Denmark all have a transfer window opening during the month.

The rumors about who may be incoming to MSL are flying, so we have listed out some potential Timbers signees. The site MLS Rumors does a good job linking to rumors of incoming players, so we have provided a link to their site for each player for further reading. We tried to focus solely on players mentioned in Timbers-specific rumors, or who haven’t been tied to a specific MLS team other than Portland.

Dave Knows PDX noticed that Sky Sports was reporting about the Timbers interest in Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann:

Skysports.com understands Wolves goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann is a target for MLS side Portland Timbers.

The 38-year-old shot-stopper’s current deal at Molineux is set to finish at the end of the season and a return to his native United States could be on the cards.

Hahnemann has never hidden his desire to return to America to finish his career and Portland could now offer him that opportunity.

The Portland Timbers are interested in signing Lee Hendrie, but he would prefer to remain in England.

Lee Hendrie has dropped a broad hint that he will snub American interest to stick at Valley Parade.

The City midfielder’s short-term deal runs out on January 4 and both San Jose Earthquakes and Portland Timbers are keen to take him to the MLS.

…

“Portland are looking to rebuild their team and asked me last week if I’d be interested.”

From Telegraph & Argus

Hendrie, who is 33, has played at almost every level of English soccer.  He has several seasons of Premiership experience, as well as Championship, League One and League two appearances, and he even has one cap for the England.  Lee is the son of Paul Hendrie, who appeared in 37 matches for the 1976-77 Timbers in the NASL.   He currently plays for Bradford City in League Two, which … Read the rest

In confirmation of a move that was expected since before the first four were signed, user blackedoutfriction posted the rumor on the SCUSA boards that defender Kevin Goldthwaite was signed yesterday.  This would be just in time for the October deadline on returning player signings.  One question then is whether Goldthwaite is the center-back alluded to by Gavin Wilkinson as one of the two returning signings, or if that was someone else (Mamadou Danso) since this signing came so late in the month.  Also, if Alhassan or Marcelin is the midfielder mentioned, when will that signing be announced?  Hopefully there will be some confirmation from the Timbers organization in the next few days.… Read the rest

Could Ian Joy be one of the first MLS Timbers?  Real Salt Lake’s GM Garth Lagerwey recently did an interview and alluded to the possibility. Here is what he says about 2:30 in to the interview:

“Ian Joy, a player who is now with Portland … I believe they’ve offered him an MLS contract.”

This was noticed over on the Soccer City boards.… Read the rest

Mao over at The Offside is reporting that the Timbers will announce who will return by the end of the month:

Before the end of October, Portland Timbers Football Club will announce which of its current players will be retained for the inaugural season in Major League Soccer.

He also notes that Gleeson was on the sidelines for Portland’s last playoff game, which has implications that he may somehow be contractually tied to the team (unlike other U-23 players).

Read the full story at The Offside.… Read the rest

The Timbers will be announcing the signing of defender Kevin Goldthwaite within the hour. The 27 year old defender was waived by the New York Red bulls in June.  Goldthwaite has been on an MLS roster for six seasons, and has played in 92 MLS matches with the Red Bulls, Dynamo and Earthquakes.

Update: It’s official.  Here is the press release.

This is Goldthwaite’s second time as a member of the Timbers:

While on loan with the Timbers in 2005, Goldthwaite logged 892 minutes in 10 matches, helping the Timbers to a USL First Division playoff appearance. 

Interestingly enough, he also appeared in a US Open Cup match against the Timbers in 2005 as a member of the Earthquakes.  The Timbers were 4-4-2 (W-T-L) with Goldthwaite on the team and 10-9-9 overall that season.… Read the rest

Gavin Wilkinson recently hinted on Talk Timbers that the Timbers would be signing a young prospect who they expect to make an impact in the MLS. Today John Strong tweeted “News coming today…check that St Louis box score again…”. One thing that stands out on the St. Louis box score is that Kalif Alhassan is listed in the ineligible section.

Kalif Alhassan is a 19 year old from Ghana who is listed as an attacking midfielder and a forward. His first name may also be spelled Khalif. Gavin Wilkinson went on a scouting trip to Ghana in May, so this signing may be the result of that. We have no confirmation on this, so it’s just a rumor at this point. The Timbers will be announcing the signing this afternoon.

Update:
It’s official, the Timbers announced the signing of Kalif Alhassan for the remainder of this season.

From … Read the rest

We knew the Timbers would have a new coach for next season, and the rumors surrounding the decision have been building and now the Portland Business Journal is reporting that the next coach of the Portland Timbers will be the former assistant coach of the Houston Dynamo, John Spencer. Spencer has been in the assitant coaching spot for the past four years and resigned yesterday.
The Houston Dynamo website reports the following…

Spencer – or “Spenny,” as the players called him – had been notably absent this week from practice, and several Dynamo players claimed his ultimate destination was Oregon, for a coaching role with the 2011 MLS expansion Portland Timbers. Both Dynamo and Timbers officials declined to comment on Spencer’s plans.

Spencer is a very exciting prospect for our new head coach, as he has been considered one of the most sought after coaches in the MLS. He had … Read the rest