The Newcastle Jets have scored a recruiting coup, with glitzy Ecuadorian forward Edmundo Zura set to link with the reigning A-League champions as a marquee signing, filling the void left by expensive Brazilian flop Mario Jardel.
The colourful striker arrived in the country yesterday and was set to meet his teammates today, but will be forced to wait about a week before the rubber-stamp is applied to a one-year deal.
The 25-year-old has seven international caps for his country, while boasting an impressive scoring rate in Ecuador’s domestic competition, managing to find the net at least once every two games.
Jets’ coach Gary van Egmond seemed delighted with the big lad, who has shown plenty of ambition.
"He looks to be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle. Someone who can put the ball in the back of the net,” Van Egmond told Fairfax.
Meanwhile, Queensland Roar have signed former Scottish international Charlie Miller on a two-year deal.
Now 32, Miller spent six years at Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, winning his solitary cap for Scotland in 2001.
It follows the Roar's re-signing of star striker Reinaldo on Thursday to a three-year deal, with coach Frank Farina excited by the prospect of having both attackers in the same side.
"Something that we haven't had in my time with the club is a genuine out-and-out playmaker who can create opportunities and it's good to have that string to our bow now," Farina said of the former Rangers attacking midfielder, who earned his one and only cap for Scotland in 2001.
"Apart from Charlie's ability on the park I think his experience off it was the thing that attracted me.
Veteran Miller remains hungry for success with Queensland.
"I like to win trophies and I think we've got a great bunch of boys here.
"Hopefully I'll enjoy my football and have a laugh on the field.
"But I'm here to be serious and win trophies - no doubt about it."
The group phase of the pre-season cup concludes this weekend with Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix in the box seat to meet in next week's final.
Adelaide top their group on four points and will host Perth Glory (1 point) in Mt Gambier tomorrow.
Newcastle (2) play Melbourne Victory (3) in Port Macquarie in the other pool game tomorrow.
While in the other group, Sydney FC (3) host the Phoenix (4) in Wollongong and the Roar (1) face Central Coast (3) in Brisbane on Sunday.
Sydney FC skipper Tony Popovic will make his first appearance of the pre-season tomorrow after overcoming a hamstring injury, while former Socceroo goalkeeper Mark Bosnich is expected to get some more game time for the Mariners, although he is expected to start on the bench.
