Brian Span, a young American midfielder whose contract at a Swedish club wasn't renewed this season, is entering MLS through a lottery. Real Salt Lake is one of five clubs in for him, the club confirmed today, with a very slim 0.9 percent chance of landing the player.
The initial report was published by Jonathan Tannenwald, Philadelphia-based soccer reporter.
Span, 21, spent the 2012-2013 season at Djurgårdens IF in Sweden, making 14 appearances. He signed there after two years at University of Virginia.
It remains to be seen what odds Real Salt Lake has in the race. Tannenwald reported that the other teams are Chicago Fire, FC Dallas, New England Revolution and San Jose Earthquakes. The lottery is reportedly to take place tomorrow.
RSL last won a lottery in 2011, signing forward Cody Arnoux. Luis Gil also entered the league through a weighted lottery, but was won by Sporting Kansas City (then Kansas City Wizards) before being traded to Real Salt Lake.
Check back for further news as it becomes available.