SAN JOSE — The Earthquakes returned to South America for their latest acquisition — right fullback Pablo Pintos of Uruguay.

In what had been rumored since July became a reality this week when the Quakes agreed to a deal to sign the 27-year-old defender, according to reports in South America. The team is awaiting completion of paperwork with Major League Soccer before announcing the deal.

An Earthquakes official declined comment Tuesday.

Pintos arrives in San Jose a month after the Quakes signed Argentine striker Matias Perez Garcia, who is recovering from knee surgery.

Pintos last played for Uruguay’s Defensor Sporting, the Montevideo club that he started with in 2006.

The 5-foot-11 Pintos was a regular for Defensor and then San Lorenzo in the Argentine league through 2010. Since then, he has seen little action at Getafe in Spain and Tigre in Argentina. A move to Italy’s Lazio in 2010 was stopped by the federation officials over transfer rules.

The Earthquakes have struggled to find a solid right back after sending Steven Beitashour to Vancouver in the offseason for allocation money.

Brandon Barklage has been inconsistent while German Andy Gorlitz suffered a season-ending knee injury in May. Veteran Shaun Francis has filled in on the right side but also is needed on the left to back up Jordan Stewart.

In other news, rookie sensation Tommy Thompson is staying in San Jose instead of attending an under-20 U.S. training camp in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Thompson has been impressive in starting the past three games while veteran forwards recover from injuries.

San Jose coaches wanted to keep Thompson, 19, home as the Quakes play three games in eight days, starting Saturday at Portland. The three games give San Jose a chance to get into MLS playoff contention.

Also, midfielder Atiba Harris was called to Saint Kitts and Nevis national Tuesday for 2014 Caribbean Cup qualifiers in his hometown of Basseterre. Saint Kitts faces St. Lucia on Wednesday, Dominica on Friday and Guyana on Sunday.

Winger Cordell Cato probably will replace Harris in the starting lineup. Cato has been coming on as a second-half substitute of late.

Contact Elliott Almond at 408-920-5865 and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/elliottalmond.