Josh Kennedy is the latest Socceroo to be linked with a move to Melbourne City, with reports suggesting an agreement is in place for the 32-year-old's services.
City are on the lookout for striking options following the news their Spanish superstar David Villa will end his 10 game guest stint prematurely.
The Herald Sun has reported the Nagoya Grampus forward is set to sign a multi-year deal with the club, presumably as their Australian marquee.
However Kennedy does not come off contract with his J-League side until the end of the year, meaning his earliest appearance would be City's round 14 appearance against the Mariners.
This would also be contingent on the 33 capped Socceroo's possible selection in Australia's squad for the AFC Asian Cup in January.
Despite the delay in Kennedy's potential arrival the news will be welcomed by City fans, with marquee Robert Koren currently injured and uncertainty surrounding whether David Villa will fulfil his 10 game quota.
The frontman averages a goal every two games for club and country and with the winless City only netting twice so far this season courtesy of their guest star, Kennedy has been targeted as his replacement.
However Melbourne City refuse to be drawn on speculation about possible signings as they prepare to take on cross-town rivals Victory in Saturday night's sold-out derby.
“We have still have that spot left for the Australian marquee,’’ City coach John van’t Schip said.
“We’re planning and hopefully we can announce something in the coming weeks.
“We’re looking at a lot of options. It’s not only an Australian marquee, we more money, but we still have a visa spot left too."