Toronto FC announced Monday the signing of Argentine forward Pablo Vitti to a loan deal. As per team policy details were not released. Vitti, 23, joins from FC Chernomorets Odessa of the Ukrainian Premier League where he was on loan from Independiente of Argentina.

"We've kept tabs on him since he played here in the summer," said manager, director of soccer Mo Johnston. "We actually made him an offer after that game, but it was refused at that time. MLS can be a difficult league for players to adjust to straight away so we are pleased that we could secure this loan deal now to allow Pablo time to adjust and settle in through a proper pre-season."

Toronto FC fans may remember Vitti from last summer when Independiente paid a visit to BMO Field on July 15. Vitti scored the lone goal in the game in the 68th minute to give the visitors a 1-0 victory. His best season was in 2004/05 when he played for his hometown club Rosario Central when he scored eight goals in 29 appearances.

Vitti was part of the Argentina U-20 squad that competed at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship in the Netherlands where Argentina defeated Nigeria for the title.

Vitti will join up with Toronto FC in Bradenton Florida on Tuesday, February 10 and will be officially added to the roster upon the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

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