Toronto FC director of player development, Paul Mariner, has revealed to Sportsnet.ca soccer reporter John Molinaro that talks are progressing in the Reds' attempt to secure forward Joao Plata and fullback Richard Eckersley for at least another year. Both players were on-loan to Toronto in the 2011 season.



Mariner tells Molinaro that on signing Plata from his parent club LDU Quito there are "some large (salary) numbers involved. I'm not saying it's done but we're getting much closer."



On Eckersley, Mariner said he is "hopeful" that something can be worked out with Burnley FC in England, but he remains grounded as "the unfortunate thing about football is that it always comes down to numbers."



Toronto has three designated players on contract, giving the Reds very little room on the MLS salary cap to exercise all options on its "wish list," Mariner explained.



For the full article, including Mariner declaring his preferred venue for the March 7, 2012 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal match against Los Angeles Galaxy, click here.