With the A-League’s deadline day approaching Adelaide United is at the fore of players transactions.
Adelaide United is on the cusp of finalising its fifth visa spot on deadline day while opposition clubs continues to show interest in George Blackwood.
Adelaide United
Don't miss out on the headlines from Adelaide United. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- How Reds will have edge over familiar foe
- How to get the most from your Advertiser digital subscription
George Blackwood’s immediate future could be decided by midnight on Tuesday — deadline day for the A-League — as Adelaide United looks to shore up a Chinese player.
But a trade for talented youngster Carlo Armiento is off the cards for now.
With Australia’s transfer window closing the chances of the A-League emulating the August deadline day spending by English top-flight clubs at $316 million for 18 deals is highly unlikely.
However, Adelaide United needs to register its fifth remaining visa spot by today’s deadline with a Chinese defender from its sister club Qingdao Red Lions.
Sources have claimed Adelaide United’s 22-year-old Blackwood had attracted the most interest from Central Coast Mariners at Gosford.
Stream every game of The 2019/20 Hyundai A-League season LIVE & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14 day free trial & start streaming instantly >
The Mariners training base is near Blackwood’s NSW home at Berowra which is just 40km away.
A-League officials confirmed Mariners, Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar were approached by Blackwood’s representatives.
The Reds, according to sources, expressed a desire to offload the Australian under 23 forward after coach Gertjan Verbeek started his new coaching job in June.
And it’s understood Armiento, 20, was high on Melbourne Victory’s new coach Marco Kurz’s wishlist when Adelaide wanted to trade the set piece specialist for a holding midfielder.
However, a move for Armiento appears unlikely before deadline day.
Sources claim Armiento 20, — a scholarship player that is close to peak fitness — is now likely to move to a rival A-League during the January transfer window.
It’s also understood Adelaide’s Australian under 23 goalkeeper Daniel Margush was also offered to Glory as a trade for a holding midfielder from WA.
“There is no update at this time on any further additions to the A-League squad,” an Adelaide United spokesperson said last night.