Full highlights from Melbourne Heart's derby thrashing of Melbourne Victory.
Melbourne Victory has a battle on its hands keeping Archie Thompson and Gui Finkler. Source: News Limited
MELBOURNE Victory faces a challenge hanging on to star visa duo Gui Finkler and Adama Traore while Archie Thompson’s contract is no closer to being resolved.
Talks with the uncontracted trio have been going on for months and Victory officials remain “hopeful” of retaining all three.
The silver lining is that former captain Adrian Leijer, who could return from injury on Friday night against Central CoastMariners, is on the verge of extending his contract.
Melbourne Victory coach Kenny Muscat expresses his frustration following the 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne Heart.
Brisbane Roar striker Besart Berisha has been confirmed as Victory’s international marquee player for next season, replacing Chilean Pablo Contreras, who is due to retire.
Left back Traore is on the verge of obtaining Australian citizenship. Although he’s precluded from representing the Socceroos as he played for Ivory Coast at youth level, he won’t take up a visa spot next season.
Midfielder James Jeggo, the only other player coming out of contract, is understood to have agreed to a two-year deal with Adelaide United from next season.
While the A-League salary cap is a replica of the AFL version, former Essendon and now Victory chief executive Ian Robson admitted the international component made it more challenging but was hopeful of retaining the stars.
Full replay of Melbourne Heart's clash with MElbourne Victory at AAMI Park.
“We’re in discussions with all four (Traore, Finkler, Thompson and Leijer) about their futures and beyond that we don’t comment on the specifics of the conversations,’’ Victory chief executive Ian Robson said.
“We’re hopeful that we’ll get some positive outcomes and get that news out in the coming weeks.’’
Leijer, who fractured an eye socket three weeks ago, is tipped to sign a multi-year deal.
But it could be a new-look Victory next season with Tom Rogic (Celtic) and James Troisi (Juventus or Atalanta) expected to return to their parent clubs and Mauritian midfielder Jonathan Bru already released.
And though Mark Milligan has another 15 months to run on his contract, the captain is almost certain to field offers after the World Cup, where he is expected to play a key role for the Socceroos.
Melbourne Heart slaughter cross city rivals Melbourne Victory 4-0, but not without red card drama for the blue and white
Victory’s challenges are not dissimilar to Western Sydney Wanderers, who have lost midfielder Aaron Mooy to Melbourne Heart for next season while star visa duo Jerome Polenz and Youssouf Hersi are yet to re-sign.
A-League clubs must take a longer-term view of recruiting with Football Federation Australia announcing last month visa spots will be cut from five to four in season 2015-16.
They also announced that they were likely to switch to the Asian Football Confederation’s 3+1 rule, which is the Asian Champions League regulation and the rule adopted in most leagues across the continent.
Meanwhile the match review panel on Monday night confirmed Victory defender Nick Ansell will serve a one-game ban for his derby red card on Saturday night.
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