Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack is set to join Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners on loan, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reports on its website that the Australian side have opened talks over a temporary switch for the 32-year-old, and they are hoping that a deal will be greenlighted this week ahead of their new season, which starts next month.
There was some interest in the rarely-used attacker during the recent transfer window, but a move failed to occur, meaning that McCormack remained at Villa.
The Scotland international spent the second half of last season on loan at Melbourne City, netting 14 goals in 17 appearances.
Good move for Aston Villa?
In boss Steve Bruce’s eyes, a move away for McCormack would be a good one. He does not feature in the manager’s plans for the club, and he was not likely to get any regular football by remaining at Villa.
However, McCormack demonstrated what a quality striker he is by scoring 14 goals in 17 games, so this could be something that Bruce will be missing out on if a deal goes through.
A move away would be great for him, as it would allow him to get regular first team football.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Yes, it does seem likely to happen. The Australian club are hoping to push through the move by the end of this week, so McCormack could be departing temporarily very soon.
With their new season approaching, it is vital that they get him on the books sooner rather than later, and this will be something that Bruce will be more than willing to let happen, given the £40,000-a-week wages TeamTalk report that he earns.
A move away now seems ever closer for McCormack, and fingers crossed it happens soon.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10