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Former Portland Timbers defender and midfielder and Jamaican international Lovel Palmer has officially signed with Real Salt Lake, according to a club press release today. Palmer was selected by Real Salt Lake in the 2013 MLS Re-Entry Draft.
"Lovel is a versatile player who we're excited to add to our roster," RSL general manager Garth Lagerwey said in the press release. "He's a proven player on both the MLS and international levels and we believe he'll be a good fit in our system."
Palmer's signing comes as the first news of what will undoubtedly be a busy 2013. The club has yet to announce any additional signings or contract negotiations since the busy days of early December, which saw Will Johnson, Fabian Espindola and Jamison Olave depart in one fell swoop.
According to the MLS Players Union, Palmer's base salary in late 2012 was $85,000. As usual, there is no indication as to the salary the player will be earning at Real Salt Lake in 2013.
The signing bolsters RSL's defensive ranks, with the player potentially providing cover for starting right back Tony Beltran, but he could be seen in the midfield as well.