By FRANCO PANIZO
The Portland Timbers struck gold with the signing of Argentine midfielder Diego Valeri last offseason. They are now hoping to do the same with one of his compatriots.
Several reports out of Argentina claim that the Timbers are set to sign Gaston Fernandez, a 30-year-old forward who just terminated his contract with Argentine club Estudiantes de La Plata. Fernandez would help fill an offseason need for Portland, which is looking to bolster its front line ahead of the 2014 season.
Fernandez, whose nickname is La Gata (the Cat), only recently made his season debut for Estudiantes after being handed a four-month ban from FIFA for a breach of contract with Mexican side Tigres UANL. He did not score in any of his 23 appearances for Estudiantes last season.
The 5-foot-7 Fernandez began his career in 2002 with famed Argentine outfit River Plate. He then played for several clubs, including Monterrey and San Lorenzo, before joining Estudiantes.
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What do you think about the Timbers reportedly signing Fernandez? Do you see him becoming a reliable goal-scorer in his first season in MLS?
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