MLS expansion franchise Montreal Impact are close to making another key signing, this time in the form of Italian defender Matteo Ferrari.

The 32-year old has arrived California for the Impact's pre-season training camp and a deal is imminent according to the clubs sporting director Nick De Santis.

"We had an unanticipated meeting with Matteo while in Europe. He is not currently under contract with us, but he wants to play in MLS and wants to join the Impact. We are excited that he will be joining the club," said De Santis.

"We know the level of his game and what he can bring to the team. The details of a potential deal have to be finalized with the league, but we are confident that it can get done quickly."

Ferrari, who started his career with Inter Milan in 1997 and has since played with clubs such as Parma, AS Roma, Everton, Genoa and most recently Besiktas, will not become a Designated Player according to Impact president Joey Saputo.

"He will not be a designated payer," said Saputo. "Matteo was a pleasant surprise for us while we were in Europe and we are very proud to know that our club is known overseas and there are many players that want to join MLS.

"We are still working on finding a Designated Player and we are putting in a lot of effort. We have always done our best to be professional and to get the best players available. We will continue to work on that, but we will not be making any announcements before the month of May because the summer transfer window only opens on July 1. Our fans can count on us and they will not be disappointed."

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