Paul Riley 05.10.14

Paul Riley

(Randy L. Rasmussen/The Oregonian)

The Portland Thorns could be on the verge of signing yet another big-name player.

Thorns coach Paul Riley said Wednesday that the Thorns are in talks with a big-name player and hope they'll be able to announce the signing in the near future. The player that the Thorns are pursuing is a defensive player.

"We have one big-name we are thinking about," Riley said. "We're going to sign another big player. We can announce that once it's all said and done. We're still working with the player. Hopefully, we'll have her here and she'll be a big plus to us."

Riley would not give any details on the player that the club is pursuing or when she could be joining the team.

The Thorns currently have an international roster spot open that they could use to sign a big-name international player.

Riley confirmed Wednesday that midfielder Vero Boquete would not be returning to the Thorns this season, which leaves the international roster spot open for the Thorns to sign another big-name player from abroad.

Riley said that with the World Cup extending the NWSL season, it would be impossible for Boquete to return to Portland this season and still be able to return to her team in Europe during the transfer window.

"I don't think (Vero) will be with us, unfortunately," Riley said. "She's an unbelievable player and we would love to have her, but, unfortunately, it won't be for this season."

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg