RSL selects defender, midfielder Lovel Palmer in Re-Entry Draft

Real Salt Lake has selected Jamaican midfielder and defender Lovel Palmer in today's MLS Re-Entry Draft, bolstering their defensive and midfield depth in the process.

Palmer, who played with Portland Timbers in 2011 and 2012 after being traded from Houston Dynamo in July 2011, played 34 matches for the Timbers and 45 for the Dynamo.

He most recently played for the Timbers at right back — a position Real Salt Lake have locked down with Tony Beltran. As such, it's not hard to imagine Palmer is being brought in to both challenge for places and to provide midfield depth in addition to his defensive capabilities.

The Jamaican international got his start at Harbour View in his home nation, for whom he made 143 league appearances and scored 41 goals. Harbour View was former RSL midfielder Andy Williams' second professional club.

Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer can now negotiate a contract with Palmer, who is not guaranteed to make the squad.

No other selections were made by Real Salt Lake during the draft. Former RSL striker Paulo Jr. was selected by Vancouver Whitecaps, while goalkeeper Kyle Reynish passed through unselected.