Sportsnet.ca — An early morning phone call to SC Braga confirmed that Joao Pinto and Toronto FC have halted any negotiations over bringing the Portuguese international to town.
Soccercentral confirmed the news with the Portuguese club on Thursday, learning that training obligations and contract details were at fault for quashing the rumoured deal.
Toronto FC wanted the Pinto in town to train for at least a week, which Braga was not comfortable with due to a rash of current injuries on the squad. Also, financially the TFC offer was too low. Pinto currently makes around 350,000 Euros ($500,000 US) and the MLS maximum for non-designated players is $325,000 US.
Midfielder Carl Robinson is the top earner on TFC at $315,000 US.
However, it is also rumoured that the Portuguese international has scheduled more meetings with the MLS, but not involving TFC.