Linked to the Philadelphia Union for a majority of January, Colombian striker Jorge Perlaza is instead expected to sign with the Portland Timbers.
The 25-year-old Perlaza has joined Portland on trial for its preseason camp. Though linked directly to the Union, Perlaza turned out to be the mystery Colombian linked to the Timbers. Also linked to the Union is fellow countryman, and Colombian international, 22-year-old striker Cesar Arias.
Perlaza had started off his 2010-2011 season in Colombian on fire, scoring 6 goals in 8 league matches and 15 goals in 23 total starts (28 total appearances). At 5'7" Perlaza wasn't set to replace the departed Alejandro Moreno as the Union's target striker but the speedy forward is notably proficient in the air and on headers, per a poster at Stumptown Footy (SB Nation's Portland Timbers blog).
Speculations are now abound for the Union concerning Hull City target striker Caleb Folan, who reportedly wants to move to MLS. The 28-year-old has struggled through injuries and poor form during his stint with the Championship (formerly EPL) side.