Football and rumours go hand in hand and we've got you covered with all the news and whispers swirling around this week in Australia.
Trent Sainsbury attracting European clubs
Getty After a superb performance at the World Cup against France, Australian defender Trent Sainsbury has quickly caught the eye of a number of European clubs.The Herald Sun reports that two English clubs and three more from Europe have all expressed interest in Sainsbury since his match against the French.
Sainsbury still has six months left on his contract with Chinese side Jiangsu Suning but spent most of last season on loan in Switzerland with Grasshoppers Zurich.
The 26-year-old defender is no stranger to the heights of Europe either, having spent time with Italian club Inter, who he made one appearance for in 2017.
Sainsbury has said his sole focus is on the Socceroos at the World Cup but conceded earning transfer interest in the process is a bonus.
"It’s a nice place to put yourself out there in the shop window," Sainsbury said.
“If I can get settled and stay at one club for the rest of my career I would be very happy.”
Tony Popovic brings in Brendon Santalab, Matthew Spiranovic looming
New Perth Glory coach Tony Popovic has wasted little time since arriving in Western Australia and has added former Western Sydney Wanderers striker Brendon Santalab to his squad.
Santalab was signed at the Wanderers by Popovic and was offered a non-playing contract with the club this season but was intent on continuing his playing career with Glory offering him a one-year deal.
Another former Wanderer is also close to reuniting with Popovic after Matthew Spiranovic was sighted at pre-season training and has reportedly agreed to terms over a contract with the club.
Spiranovic has been without a club for a few months now after parting ways with Chinese side Hangzhou Greentown.
Should he join Glory, he'd become Popovic's third defensive signing with Ivan Franjic and Tomislav Mrcela already added to Perth's back line in the off-season.
Melbourne Victory lose duo
Getty Images As first reported by The Covert Agent, James Donachie has left Melbourne Victory and is set to link up with Korean outfit Jeonnam Dragons.
Talented young striker Pierce Waring has also departed the club and is also on the verge of a move to Asia - having trialed with Cerezo Osaka last month.
Both are big blows for the reigning A-League champions, with Kevin Muscat's back line all but gone and Waring joining another exciting teenager in Christian Theoharous out the door.
Melbourne City's busy day
June 19 was a hectic 24 hours for Victory's rivals Melbourne City as they parted ways with marquee Polish attacker Marcin Budzinski, who did have one year left on his contract but failed to impress coach Warren Joyce.
With one player going, the club brought in a number of new coaches with Rado Vidošić, Zeljko Kalac and Melissa Hudson all joining City.
Goalkeeper coach Kalac's move to City was confirmed yesterday by The Covert Agent, while Rado will take charge of City's W-League outfit and unite once again with son Dario.
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