MLS clubs have left some big names unprotected for Wednesday's Expansion Draft.

New York Red Bulls' Juan Pablo Angel, Toronto FC's Julian de Guzman, Chicago Fire duo Freddie Ljungberg and Nery Castillo, San Jose Earthquakes' Geovanni and Seattle Sounders striker Blaise Nkufo have all been left unprotected by their clubs and are free to be taken by expansion franchises Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers.

However, the catch is that if a team happens to select any of these players in the draft, they will have to come up with their salary which falls outside of the normal cap.

Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi said he was not in a position to disclose any information regarding the club's stance on these players but admitted that there may be a surprise or two in the draft.

"With Portland involved as well, we're not in a position to say we're interested in this type of player or not," said Lenarduzzi, whose club will choose second after Portland. "Definitely there are some surprises, but you knew there would be."