MLS expansion Portland Timbers interested in former FC Dallas star Kenny Cooper

By Steve Goff

The Portland Timbers have taken interest in American forward Kenny Cooper, a former FC Dallas star seeking to return to MLS from Germany this winter, two sources familiar with the situation told the Insider.

Cooper, 26, moved from Dallas to 1860 Munich after the 2008 MLS season. Because the German second-tier side paid a transfer fee, Dallas no longer owns his league rights. Portland is in need of a proven scorer ahead of its inaugural season in MLS.

Cooper, who had 40 goals in 90 league appearances for Dallas, returned to the field for Munich last month after recovering from a long-term ankle injury. In early 2010, he went on loan with English club Plymouth Argyle but didn't make an impression and Plymouth decided not to exercise an option to purchase him outright.

As I understand it, contract and transfer issues have stymied Cooper's possible move to Portland. It's unclear whether the Timbers still believe a deal could be worked out. Cooper is in the second season of a third-year deal with Munich, which is looking to unload his contract. The club still owes transfer funds to MLS based on the original payment schedule and the league wants the money even if Cooper returns. In addition, Cooper's handlers were pursuing a contract settlement with Munich.

There might have been too many moving parts for it to work.

