Macarthur FC will make their A-League debut next October and have started to make overtures to build their squad.
Already the newcomers have approached Sydney FC’s Serbian star Milos Ninkovic, according to reports, and been linked with Melbourne Victory forward Elvis Kamsoba.
But The World Game understands Macarthur FC’s wishlist also includes Tommy Oar and Bernie Ibini.
Oar is off-contract at the Central Coast Mariners at the end of the 2019-2020 season.
The midfielder has played 29 times for Australia after making his national team debut back in 2010.
Oar has made seven appearances for the Mariners this season.
Former Sydney FC and Central Coast winger Ibini is also currently off-contract after his deal ended at Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundia Motors.
However it is believed the 27-year-old, who has accrued two Socceroo caps, is keen to continue his career overseas and not return to the A-League at this stage.
Ibini scored one goal from 15 appearances for Jeonbuk in 2019.
Melbourne Victory defenders Corey Brown and James Donachie are also targets for Macarthur FC, it is understood.
Brown, who joined Victory in 2018 from Brisbane Roar, is a free agent at the end of the current A-League season.
The left back has played six games for Victory this campaign.
Donachie, who signed a one-year deal with the Victorian club in August this year, is also off-contract at the end of the current campaign.
The centre-back has started in defence for every game so far this season.
Both Brown and Donachie have represented Australia at Under-20 and Under-23 level.
Last month Macarthur FC head coach Ante Milicic told the club’s official Facebook page that the recruitment plans are well underway.
“We’ve already started identifying players,” Milicic said. “With the technology that is available, [we’re] watching games, getting in touch with players and meeting, looking at what kind of players will fit into our playing style.
“It is slightly early days but we really want to be prepared in this department because it’s very important for us.
“That process has already begun both here domestically and abroad so we’re well advanced.”
