Melbourne Heart close to signing international striker ahead of A-League season
Melbourne Heart believe they are close to signing a replacement for striker Josip Tadic. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source:HeraldSun
MELBOURNE Heart is on the verge of signing an international striker to fill the final spot on their roster.
Former Socceroos defender Patrick Kisnorbo became the 22nd player to sign for the 2013-14 season on Monday and Heart are now deep in negotiations with a foreigner, who represents his national team.
Heart has been locked in negotiations with the player which is the reason striker Brent McGrath was released at the end of last week.
With Harry Kewell set to play in a deeper role Heart has been searching for a replacement for Croatian striker Josip Tadic and football operations manager John Didulica said they were close.
"We’ve got someone in mind and we’re hoping to have it resolved by the weekend," Didulica said.
"Negotiations in football can be very weird and wonderful but we’re optimistic we can get him here within a week so he has a month before the first game.
"We know he’s got experience at the absolute highest level, he’s proven at the highest level and we think he will do well in this competition."
Didulica said Heart hasn’t ruled out signing an injury replacement for Dutch marquee Orlando Engelaar, who returned to the Netherlands today.
Engelaar will return in a month but he won’t be allowed to commence running until late November.
McGrath, who’s been capped by the Socceroos, completed a trial last week and while he impressed Heart is focused on the foreigner.
"If we do sign an injury replacement it’s more about giving us more options as opposed to a like for like. We’re not going to find anyone of Orlando’s quality at this stage and certainly not for the budget we’ve got.
"Brent did well for us but we’ve spoken to him and his agent and explained that we’re looking to explore this other opportunity."
MEANWHILE Heart yesterday announced that its round 18 clash against Perth Glory will be played in Albury on Sunday February 9.
Heart has been locked in negotiations with the player which is the reason striker Brent McGrath was released at the end of last week.
With Harry Kewell set to play in a deeper role Heart has been searching for a replacement for Croatian striker Josip Tadic and football operations manager John Didulica said they were close.
"We’ve got someone in mind and we’re hoping to have it resolved by the weekend," Didulica said.
"Negotiations in football can be very weird and wonderful but we’re optimistic we can get him here within a week so he has a month before the first game.
"We know he’s got experience at the absolute highest level, he’s proven at the highest level and we think he will do well in this competition."
Didulica said Heart hasn’t ruled out signing an injury replacement for Dutch marquee Orlando Engelaar, who returned to the Netherlands today.
Engelaar will return in a month but he won’t be allowed to commence running until late November.
McGrath, who’s been capped by the Socceroos, completed a trial last week and while he impressed Heart is focused on the foreigner.
"If we do sign an injury replacement it’s more about giving us more options as opposed to a like for like. We’re not going to find anyone of Orlando’s quality at this stage and certainly not for the budget we’ve got.
"Brent did well for us but we’ve spoken to him and his agent and explained that we’re looking to explore this other opportunity."
MEANWHILE Heart yesterday announced that its round 18 clash against Perth Glory will be played in Albury on Sunday February 9.
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