Adelaide United has informal talks with SA-born attacker James Troisi about potential Reds move

SA-born attacker James Troisi is on Adelaide United’s radar after being sounded out for a potential move. But the Reds have called for patience from fans as they bid to replace six departed players.

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Adelaide United has had informal discussions with SA-born attacker James Troisi about a potential move to his hometown team.

But Reds director of football Bruce Djite called for patience from fans, as the club worked to replace the six players who had departed this year.

Djite, a personal friend of Troisi, had been in regular contact with the 37-cap Socceroo since he was released by Melbourne Victory at the end of last campaign.

While refusing to comment on the chances of the 30-year-old joining United, Djite said he fit the profile of players on the club’s radar.

He confirmed the Reds had also spoken to brothers Ryan and Dylan McGowan about returning to their home state, before the pair secured deals with rival A-League sides.

SA-born James Troisi, pictured playing for Melbourne Victory, has had informal talks about joining Adelaide United. Picture: AAP Image/David James Elsby

“I know where his (Troisi’s) head is at,” Djite said.

“(He is) obviously a quality player. We’re always keen to get SA people back here.

“If someone is from SA and they’re floating around, chances are we’re in contact with them.

“Whether they come or not, that’s another story.

“But when you’re talking about Troisi and the McGowans, definitely that’s the sort of calibre of player that we’d want to bring in.”

Adelaide City product Troisi had scored 26 goals in 105 games during two stints with Victory and would add firepower to a Reds front line lacking end product.

The McGowans would have been ready-made replacements for centre back Taylor Regan, who left United in January.

Former Adelaide United defender Dylan McGowan has joined Western Sydney after being sounded out by the Reds. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

But Djite said the club preferred to direct funds to attacking reinforcements, as ex-Red Dylan signed for Western Sydney last week and Ryan looked set to join Sydney FC.

“We’ve got two very, very good centre backs,” said Djite, referring to Michael Jakobsen and Jordan Elsey.

“Do we need another centre back? Absolutely.

“But do we need a No.9 more urgently? Very much so.

“We would’ve had to break the bank to get those guys (the McGowans) here.

“For me those funds are better reallocated in that No.9 or No.10 position.

“There’s a couple of future key players, if they do come, that I’m working on at the moment.

“But that’s a negotiation, that’s a process. It’s not that nothing’s happening.”

Incoming Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek will arrive in SA this week. Picture: VI Images via Getty Images

The Reds, who had retained 19 players from last summer, were the only A-League club yet to add to their squad this off-season.

Djite said the undisclosed transfer fee received for the departure of captain Isaias would be reinvested in five or six arrivals.

As new coach Gertjan Verbeek prepared to touch down in SA on Monday night, Djite said it was not time to push the panic button.

“If they (supporters) are frustrated … I think it’s misplaced,” United’s all-time record goal scorer said.

“Don’t worry about too much what happened in the past.

Adelaide United director of football Bruce Djite has asked supporters to be patient as the club works to replace six departed players. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

“The most important thing is, we’ve got four months or so until the season starts and we’ve got the core of the squad.

“We’re not in a bulk recruiting phase where we really need to sign players in a hurry to fill the spots because we’ve got 10 places up for grabs.

“We can afford to be picky and nitpick who we want in our squad.

“It’s not about quantity for us, it’s about quality and it’s just about getting the right fit.

“We’re going to have to be patient with that, because we have the luxury of being patient.”

Djite said the Reds had discussed the possibility of a marquee signing.

He said filling the club’s three vacant visa spots was “more than likely”.