Former Manchester United star Nani close to joining Melbourne Victory

A former Manchester United star is close to joining Melbourne Victory, who are preparing to meet the Red Devils at the MCG.

Ex-Manchester United star Nani is likely to join Melbourne Victory. Picture: AP Photo/Jon Super

Former Manchester United star Nani could be a Melbourne Victory player in time for the A-League club’s match against the Red Devils at the MCG next Friday night.

Speculation is mounting that Victory could announce the signing of the 35-year-old Portuguese international as early as next week.

Victory coach Tony Popovic didn’t deny his club’s interest in Nani in an interview with sen.com.au.

“He’s a player that’s been put forward to us,” Popovic said.

“He’s a very interesting player for us, as Melbourne Victory we get put forward a lot of players of that pedigree.

“We’d love to find a player with that pedigree in the front third of the park that can play (in his position) and certainly Nani is one of those players.

“Whether he’ll be here or not, I can’t say if that’s close or far away.”

If, as expected, Nani’s signing is “close”, the winger could play a role against Manchester United.

UEFA Champions League winner Nani made 147 Premier League appearances for United between 2007 and 2015 and has since played for Sporting Lisbon (Portugal), Fenerbache (Turkey), Valencia (Spain), Lazio (Italy), Orlando City (USA) and Venezia (Italy).

Then Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho gives Nani a pat on the back. Picture: AFP Photo / Andrew Yates

While yet to confirm Nani’s signing, the Victory has announced the arrival of 27-year-old goalkeeper Paul Izzo, who has spent the past two seasons in Greece with Xanthi, where he was at one stage coached by Popovic.

The former Adelaide United custodian has signed a three-year deal with the Victory, who have parted ways with Croatian gloveman Ivan Kelava.

“Paul will be an important addition to the club and we are confident his qualities can help our group take another step forward,” Popovic said.

“Working with him in the past and with his previous experience in the A-League, we’re confident Paul will be able to perform at his best at Melbourne Victory.”

Izzo, who has represented Australia at under-17, under-20 and under-23 levels, said he

was “incredibly pleased” to join Victory.

“I can’t wait to play in front of the amazing members and fans that create the best atmosphere in the league,” Izzo said.

“There is no doubt I want to achieve the ultimate success in Melbourne. Winning the A-League championship is a title that I haven’t won in the past and I think the environment at Melbourne Victory can go a long way towards me helping the team and the club achieve that.”

Kelava, 34, departs the Victory after just one season in which he made 30 appearances in all competitions and was part of the club’s winning FFA Cup final team.

Originally published as Former Manchester United star Nani close to joining Melbourne Victory