Socceroos defender Milos Degenek expected to turn down offers from A-League clubs

A Socceroos defender is expected to continue his career in Europe rather than join an A-League club, while a second forward could be leaving Macarthur FC to play abroad.

Socceroos defender Milos Degenek is likely to reject A-League advances to remain in Europe, while Macarthur FC winger Jed Drew has attracted interest from clubs in Austria and Sweden.

Degenek, 30, is a free agent after parting ways with Serbian club Red Star Belgrade.

Melbourne Victory have made no secret of their desire to sign Degenek, with interim coach Arthur Diles on Thursday confirming the club had discussions with the former Columbus Crew centre-back.

Western Sydney Wanderers are also interested in Degenek, while Sydney FC also wants to strengthen its defensive socks during the current transfer window,

However, Degenek’s preference is to stay in Europe, with Serbian outfit FK TSC Backa Topola reportedly the frontrunners to land his signature.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old Drew, who has scored six A-League goals this season, is being courted by Austrian top-flight club TSV Hartberg.

And while Hartberg are considered the favourites to snare Drew, a Swedish club that finished in the top five in the Allsvenskan last year has also made a play for the former Australian under-20 international.

Macarthur FC winger Jed Drew has attracted interest from clubs in Austria and Sweden. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Should Macarthur sell Drew it will come hot on the heels of the Bulls’ securing an up-front $A830,000 transfer fee from US Major League Soccer Club Real Salt Lake for the services of attacker Ariath Piol.

“All praise and glory to God for my blessings, I’m happy and grateful to have this US Major League Soccer opportunity,” Piol said.

“I’ve enjoyed my research of the club and I can’t wait to get on with the great group of players and staff that we’ve got.”

“I’m excited to learn every day, and I’m looking forward to this upcoming season and how I can add my personality to the squad and help the team succeed.’’

Elsewhere, Perth Glory have signed defender Tass Mourdoukoutas for the rest of the 2024-25 A-League season.

The 25-year-old former Wanderers centre-back has been plying his trade in Canada since June 2022 with York United and Valour FC.

“For me it was a no-brainer to come here (to Perth) when the opportunity came up to work with this coaching staff and group of players,” Mourdoukoutas said.

“I can see the ambition that the coaches and players have here and I want to do my bit to help.”

Originally published as Socceroos defender Milos Degenek expected to turn down offers from A-League clubs