South West Sydney are confident of securing a deal for Aston Villa enforcer Mile Jedinak if they are admitted to the A-League this month, according to The World Game.
The Australian outlet report that the Sydney club are among the favourites to land one of the two spots up for grabs, with Jedinak willing to listen to an offer should that happen.
The World Game claim that South West Sydney are also ready to offer Jedinak the captaincy and a coaching role after retirement, with the club expecting two or three seasons out of the 34-year-old.
A source is quoted as saying: “Mile is interested and wants to hear back after December 12 when some decisions regarding expansion have been made. He is looking at the possibility of returning to his football roots and to continue with his career as a player, and maybe one day as a coach.”
Good move for Aston Villa?
Jedinak has been a good servant for Villa since they signed him in 2016 from Crystal Palace, but his days at the club are numbered one way or the other.
The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and considering how out of favour he is under Dean Smith, an extension is surely not likely.
With the January window approaching, it may therefore be the best move for all involved to part ways, although Villa will need to sign a replacement considering their lack of options at the back already.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Should South West Sydney be admitted to the A-League, then yes this one looks likely.
Talks have obviously taken place, with Jedinak open to the move, and the likelihood of Villa putting up a fight is low.
The Championship club will want to make sure they have a replacement in place before he does leave, but that should not be a huge problem.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10