Timbers, Impact swap goalkeepers

Donovan Ricketts: from Montreal to Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. ●    The last-place Portland Timbers have traded starter Troy Perkins to the Montreal Impact for Donovan Ricketts in a swap of goalkeepers.

Portland general manager and interim coach Gavin Wilkerson announced the deal Tuesday. He said Perkins has been an important player for the Timbers, but the coaching staff saw the trade as an opportunity to improve the position.

The 31-year-old Perkins has started all 22 games for the Timbers this season, compiling a 1.61 goals-against average.

Ricketts has started every game for Montreal, an expansion club that has allowed an MLS-high 43 goals.

The 35-year-old native of Jamaica is in his fourth MLS season. He played for the Los Angeles Galaxy before his trade to Montreal and was an All-Star in 2009 and 2010.

●  West Bromwich Albion has signed Sweden striker Marcus Rosenberg on a three-year contract following his release from German club Werder Bremen.

Manager Steve Clarke said Tuesday on the club’s website that Rosenberg “had several other offers this summer but he made it clear that joining West Bromwich Albion was his first choice” and “is determined to prove himself.”

Rosenberg has previously played for Ajax and Racing Santander. He was part of Sweden’s squad at the European Championship earlier this year.

● Birmingham City have completed the signing of former Manchester United youngster Ravel Morrison on a season long loan from West Ham United.

Morrison, 19, joined the Hammers from United in the January transfer window earlier this year, but has been loaned to the Midlands outfit to gain some valuable game time.

West Ham were in the Championship when they signed Morrison, but will be playing in the Premier League during the 2012/13 season.

Morrison has made just one appearance for the Hammers- as a substitute in their game against Leeds in March.