Unhappy Victory star Marcos Flores. Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun
MARCOS Flores is on the verge of signing a multi-year deal with Central Coast Mariners.
Flores's move could leave Melbourne Victory without a marquee player for next season after negotiations with Greek national captain Giorgos Karagounis stalled.
It is understood Karagounis's management is asking for a contract around $2 million, a figure Victory is unlikely to part with.
Victory could have additional funds if an offer comes in for Mark Milligan from English championship side Queens Park Rangers that is too good to refuse.
Victory has already knocked back in excess of $2 million for the Socceroos star by UAE club Baniyas.
Flores took the A-League by storm at Adelaide in 2010-11 when he won the Johnny Warren Medal.
After an unsuccessful stint in China he signed a two-year deal worth a reported $1 million last July to be Victory's marquee.
But injuries and a lack of form blighted his year. He was left on the bench several times by coach Ange Postecoglou.
The 27-year-old has one year left on his deal.
If he left, Victory would have to pay part of his wage in the first year at his new club to ensure he gets what he was contracted to earn in Melbourne this season.
The Mariners, defending champions, are keen to bolster their stocks after a string of key departures.
Chairman Peter Turnbull confirmed his club's interest in the Argentine.
"Should Marcos come on to the market then we'd certainly be interested," he said.
Postecoglou met Karagounis in Greece last month after he was released by English Premier League club Fulham. Victory officials were initially confident of securing the 36-year-old, but are less so now.
Should the Karagounis ploy fail and Flores depart, Victory would be expected to make every attempt to sign a new marquee.
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