PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers have acquired midfielder Diego Valeri on loan from Argentina's first division Club Atletico Lanus.

Valeri, a native of Argentina, will join Portland as a Designated Player once he is cleared to play in the United States, the team announced Thursday.

The 26-year-old has been with Lanus nine seasons, scoring 25 goals in 158 matches. He helped the team to its first Primera Division title in 2007.

Valeri, who also has three caps with the Argentine national team, will take an international slot on the Timbers' roster.

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