The Covert Agent: Central Coast Mariners playmaker set to join Melbourne City

Central Coast Mariners look set to lose talented midfielder Lachlan Wales to Melbourne City.

The Covert Agent can reveal the 20-year-old's management team is claiming their client will join Warren Joyce's side for next season.

Wales made his debut in a single subsitute appearance last season but burst on to the scene with an assist off the bench in January's 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.

The Terrigal-born product went on to start seven more matches for the campaign and impressed with his range of passing and movement.

Wales' tally of two assists for the campaign is more than heralded playmaker Daniel De Silva, who created only one goal from his 21 appearances.

De Silva's future is also subject to intense speculation, with the 21-year-old understood to be in discussions with three A-League clubs.