SPORTS

Toronto FC lands Brazilian striker Gilberto

The Canadian Press Published Friday, December 13, 2013 3:19PM EST

Newly-signed Toronto FC Striker Gilberto, centre, poses for a photo with Toronto FC GM Tim Bezbatchenko, right, and Head Coach Ryan Nelson, left, at a press conference at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Friday, Dec. 13, 2013.

Text:

TORONTO -- Toronto FC has landed one of its big off-season targets, signing Brazilian striker Gilberto as its second designated player.

The 24-year-old signed with Brazil's Internacional in 2011 but has been on loan at Portugeusa most recently.

Toronto FC has its eyes set on another designated player with Tottenham forward Jermain Dafoe said to be at the top of the MLS team's list.

Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment has been showing off Gilberto all week with the Brazilian taking in both Raptors and Leafs games at the Air Canada Centre.

Toronto FC has failed to make the playoffs in its seven-year history and finished 17th in the 19-team league this season with a 6-17-11 record.

The club scored just 30 goals in 34 games.

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Toronto FC target, Brazilian striker Gilberto Oliveira Souza Junior, takes in NBA action between the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs in Toronto on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press)