Whilst the Dutchman has little personal knowledge of the former Socceroo, he’s relying on the advice of football director Bruce Djite and owner Piet van der Pol in the quest to nail down a creative attacking midfielder.
And much-travelled Adelaide-born Troisi, 31, fits the job description.
A free agent since parting company with Melbourne Victory at the end of last season, Troisi has been in talks with Djite and van der Pol - and a decision on whether or not he joins the FFA Cup finalists is imminent.
“I don’t know exactly how far talks have progressed but we still need one player - and it has to be an Australian because our visa spots are now full with a Chinese player coming in soon,” said Verbeek.
“I have given my thoughts about the sort of player we want and it has to somebody who has creativity and can bring some experience and quality into the team.
“That’s what we need in the midfield. I don’t know so much about him (Troisi) but Piet and Bruce know the market and they know more about the Australian players.
“It’s getting late because the season begins very soon and if it’s not happening then we have to let a youth player sign a contract.”
Asian Cup winner Troisi, who has played in England, Italy, Belgium, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia, made 105 games for Victory, across two spells, scoring 27 goals.
He is currently back in his hometown, training alone whilst his future is resolved amidst reported interest from clubs in Asia.
“His name came up a few months back because he’s without a club. I know the name but I know him only from videos,” added Verbeek. “It’s up to Bruce and Piet where this goes.”
Verbeek confirmed that a Chinese defender from sister club Qingdao Red Lions, which shares the Reds' chairman van der Pol as its chief, will arrive in time for next Friday’s A-League season-opener at home to Sydney FC.
“It’s a central defender but I don’t know his name yet,” added Verbeek. “He’s playing in the third league and I’m curious to see what the level is compared with the A-League.
“I don’t think right away he will somebody playing as a starter but we will see what quality he has. Bruce has been to China to see him play.”
Verbeek believes the Reds lack some of last season’s depth with the departures of Craig Goodwin, Isais and Scott Golloway, though he’s been buoyed by the arrivals of Olyroos number 10 Riley McGree and Curaçao international midfielder Michael Maria.
“We had a very young team playing (in the FFA Cup semi-final against Central Coast) and we got through, even though it wasn’t a very good game,” he added.
“The boys have earned a lot of respect in making that happen. They’ve reached four of six finals in this competition now - winning two and losing one.
“Hopefully we’ll get the better of Melbourne City in the final to make it a third time to win the trophy.”
