Newcastle near end in signing hunt
By Desmond Kane 27/04/2005 09:56:28 PM
A-League soccer teams continue low key preparations for the new season by signing local talent but one club is nearing the end of its hunt for a star attraction.
Newcastle United Jets CEO George Liolio expects a marquee player rivalling Sydney FC's capture of former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke to arrive before the weekend.
Former Socceroos Ned Zelic and Paul Okon top United's wanted list but Greece captain Theo Zagorakis and Yorke's old Man Utd teammate Teddy Sheringham have also been touted as targets.
Newcastle's final decision will depend on their target's availability for next month's world club championship qualifiers.
United face Central Coast Mariners next Saturday in the WCC aware that a possible $A1.2 million is available for reaching December's Tokyo finals as Australia's representative.
Media reports suggest Zelic is trying to be released from his contract with Austrian First Division side Wacker Tirol while Okon is tied to Belgian outfit Oostende until the end of Europe's club season.
"We're in final discussions with the player and hope to announce our signing within the next few days," said a Newcastle spokesman.
Zagorakis, who has won over 100 caps, would generate huge interest among Australia's Greek community after helping his country win last year's European championships.
But while Newcastle are busy trying to emulate Sydney's Yorke signing, it appears the rest of the A-League are satisfied by a roster of lesser known names.
Adelaide United have paraded Chinese international Shengqing Qu as their marquee signing while Melbourne Victory, whose marquee signing is Archie Thompson, continue to plunder local talent.
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