Wanderers patient in marquee pursuit

Western Sydney is looking to add a dash of star power to its squad ahead of its first A-League match, against Central Coast Mariners at Parramatta Stadium on 6 October.

And while reports suggest talks to bring Ballack to the A-League have collapsed and Ono has emerged as favourite to be signed, Popovic said the club was still carefully working through its options.

"He (Ballack) is one of a number of players we're speaking to at the moment, he's not the only one we're speaking to," Popovic said.

"(Ono) is another player on the list and we have another two or three that haven't been mentioned that we are speaking to as well.

"We're looking a the best option at this football club and the best option commercially for this league.

"We're trying to tie in both together if it's possible and the club is certainly being helpful in trying to do that."

Popovic denied suggestions Ballack, who turned 36 on Wednesday, would not fit in to his plans from a footballing perspective.

"We wouldn't be talking to his representatives if that was true," Popovic said.

"We're looking into the possibility of bringing him over.

"If that can be done, if all the boxes can be ticked from every department, then he would be an option for us."

Western Sydney has signed 19 players for its debut season and while Popovic hopes to sign at least two more, he has faith in the current squad and said a marquee player was not a necessity.