Melbourne Victory continues to scour the globe for players as preparations continue for the 2016/17 season.
As the club embarks on a hectic start to its pre-season with big games against Juventus, Atletico Madrid and Newcastle Jets, it has one eye on signing new talent.
“There are a number of things we’ve identified at the moment and we’re filtering through them,” Victory coach Kevin Muscat told SEN.
“Rest assured, we’re working hard. There are some exciting prospects, but it’s not as easy as just throwing out names.
“One of the big things is the salary cap, and we have to work within those restraints.
“We’re comfortable with the squad we’ve got currently and, naturally, we want to add a couple of players to that squad.
“I’m not going to be rushed into anything, but at the same time we’re working diligently behind the scenes to bring in the people that will complement our team.”
Victory announced on Tuesday it had released goalkeeper Danny Vukovic from his contract on personal grounds, with Lawrence Thomas set to stand in goal against Juventus at the MCG on Saturday night in the opening game of the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia.
“Unfortunately for Danny, we agreed to release him for him to get back to Sydney where his family is,” Muscat said.Â
“He went through a painful year off the field last season, and we wish him and his family, and in particular his little boy, well over the next six to 12 months.
“Lawrence has done exceptionally well over the last two seasons, coming in at the back end of both of those campaigns.”
Victory has added to its senior squad during the pre-season, with Mitch Austin recruited from Central Coast, James Donachie signing from Brisbane Roar, Victory youth player Stefan Nigro being promoted and Spanish defender Alan Baro arriving last week.
Atletico, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur are taking part in the 2016 International Champions Cup Australia, presented by Audi.
Tickets for Victory’s game against Juventus are available here.
Victory will then face Atletico in a tour match at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium on Sunday, July 31. Tickets are available here.
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