Last week a tweet from @JoaoPlata10 which has subsequently been deleted, as well as the reputed agent of the diminutive Ecuadoran, seemed to indicate that the player was nearing a transfer (potentially a loan) from Toronto FC to Real Salt Lake. That was followed by comments out of Toronto that characterized the situation as very much up in the air.

However, the appearance of this photo today purportedly from the team bus in Arizona and an article that surfaced yesterday seem to indicate that Plata may find himself in an RSL kit for the 2013 season.

The article indicated that there was “an agreement in principle,” which would indicate that the deal was nearing completion.

In addition, Real Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis told ESPN700 Sports Radio that they are working on adding a couple of forward signings prior to February 6th which is the FIFA date which will keep Kyle Beckerman, Tony Beltran, and Alvaro Saborio away from the club’s preseason preparations.

“Before that, hopefully we can add a couple of forwards that we’ve been working on in Irvine,” said Kreis.

Of course, it’s easy to speculate that one of those players is Plata. Kreis did seem to characterize these players as significant additions.

“I believe that the players that we are planning on adding are going to be big, big, big time competition for [Findley and Saborio].”

So what are your thoughts? Is Plata a player that will help RSL upgrade its goal scoring ability? Any thoughts on the profile of the additional striker? What type of player would you like to see?