Genoa has accepted Toronto FC's bid of $6 million for the signature of Alberto Gilardino, reports Gianluca Di Marzio.



As Toronto FC continues its pursuit of brand name Designated Players, rumours of Gilardino making the switch to North America have increased in recent weeks. Gilardino's agent, Beppe Bozzo, was spotted in New York a few weeks ago, and was present in Toronto during TFC's final game of the season against the Montreal Impact.



It looks like a potential deal to bring the Italian international to Toronto has taken another step forward, with Genoa accepting the offer. The onus is now on Gilardino, who will decide whether he wants to make a move to Major League Soccer.



Toronto FC has reportedly made an offer of $3 million per year for four years for the forward's services. Bozzo said that Gilardino was interested with the prospect of living in the city of Toronto, according to a reporter who spoke to him after the afformentioned game between Toronto and Montreal.



Should Gilardino decline the move, Di Marzio is reporting that Toronto FC will switch focus and continue to pursue Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur. Toronto FC's managerial staff, consisting of Ryan Nelsen, Tim Bezbatchenko and Tim Leiweke, took a scouting trip to Tottenham. It is believed that an offer for Defoe has been placed.



Toronto FC intends on finalizing a deal in the next few days, with the possibility of Gilardino remaining with Genoa on loan until next season.



---



You can follow Armen Bedakian on Twitter: @ArmenBedakian