MLS expansion franchise Portland Timbers are expected to bring in their first Designated Player in just a matter of weeks.

Recent reports have suggested that Argentine playmaker Marcos Flores, currently with Australian club Adelaide United, was to be that player but Timbers owner Merritt Paulson has confirmed that he is not the one, although a signing will be made shortly.

"We will add a player of note, of significance, a center midfielder, and I would venture to guess we'll have that player by our home opener on April 14," Paulson told local radio station 95.5 The Game's Talk Timbers program.

"We've got a couple of options. [Marcos] Flores, who people have talked about on the chat boards, is not one of the options.

"One of the two players would be a DP and the other one would be an extremely good fit as well."

Portland kick off their first MLS campaign with an away clash against reigning MLS Cup winners Colorado Rapids on Saturday.