Sebastian Giovinco's MLS career will begin faster than expected.

TSN's Gareth Wheeler confirms reports in Italy that the Italian international will begin the season with Toronto FC, rather than in July as previously expected after coming to an agreement with Juventus to end his contract early.

The 28-year-old has only made 10 appearances this season for the Serie A-leading Bianconeri, scoring twice.

Giovinco is the marquee name of several newcomers to the TFC squad ahead of the new season. American international striker Jozy Altidore joins Giovinco as a designated player, arriving from Sunderland in a swap deal for Jermain Defoe. Polish international defender Damien Perquis signed on earlier this week and long-time Marseille midfielder Benoit Cheyrou signed with the club on Thursday.

There is still the matter of Gilberto for TFC to contend with at the moment. With Giovinco's arrival, the Brazilian striker appears to be the odd man out with the Reds currently carrying four designated players, one more than the league-regulated three. The club denied reports out of Brazil this week that the 25-year-old was close to an agreement with Vasco da Gama, stating that he was simply training with the side.