Toronto FC have signed Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar on loan from English club Queens Park Rangers.
The former Inter Milan shot stopper has not been playing for the Championship side recently and needed to find first team football elsewhere in order to be in contention to make the Brazil squad for the World Cup in his home country later this year.
Fans who bet on soccer can find Brazil as 3/1 favourites with bet365 for the World Cup. The new member of the Toronto squad has already picked up 77 caps for the South American country. He was able to win Copa America in 2004, while he has also tasted success in the Confederations Cup twice.
General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko has yet to confirm the length of the loan deal but Cesar is expected to return to them following the international competition.
Reds coach Ryan Nelsen played with the Brazilian during his spell at QPR and is thought to have persuaded him to make the move to the MLS.
Cesar is short of match practise as he has only played once for his parent club so far this season. His side were relegated from the Premier League during the last campaign and since then, manager Harry Redknapp has preferred Rob Green as his number one ‘keeper.
The Brazilian is likely to be top of the pecking order at BMO Field for the place between the goals. Joe Bendik will also be fighting for a place in the starting line but may have to settle for a back-up role this season.
Along with the signing of Jermain Defoe during the January transfer window, Toronto will be prominent in the betting to reach the play-offs in the new campaign in 2014.
