Terry Antonis is set to join Melbourne Victory after Melbourne City failed in a last-ditch bid to sign the former Sydney FC and Wanderers midfielder.
According to Goal.com, the 24-year-old will sign a multi-year deal with Victory after failing to play a single minute for Dutch side VVV Venlo who he joined six months ago.
And with Victory midfielder Mark Milligan a chance to join an overseas club, the three-time Socceroo could be key to coach Kevin Muscat strengthening his midfield.
Antonis played 69 A-League matches for Sydney before a stint with Greek side PAOK, with whom he managed just seven matches with and already has 80 A-League appearances to his name, with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Apart from Antonis, Victory has also signed experienced defender Dino Djulbic.
While Antonis has joined the club on a two-and-a-half year deal, Djulbic has penned a short-term contract as cover for the injured James Donachie, and also Thomas Deng, who is away with the Australian Under-23s.
Both players will commence training immediately and, pending receipt of International Transfer Certificates, will be available for today’s match against Central Coast Mariners in Geelong.
Head coach Kevin Muscat said, “Dino and Terry are experienced footballers and just the type of players we needed to sign at this point of the season.”
“We’ve developed a really balanced squad, with plenty of competition, and we’re well placed to tackle a particularly busy period that will also include the Asian Champions League.”