Questions as to how Melbourne Victory were ever going to replace Matthieu Delpierre may about to be answered with the three-time A-League champions closing in on a defender of considerable pedigree.

Greek international Vangelis Moras is understood to be in discussions with Melbourne Victory having agreed to part ways with Serie A club Hellas Verona and entertaining a move to Australia.

While a deal is yet to be done, sources suggest the club's hierarchy are hoping to land the 34-year-old central defender who was part of the Greece touring party that played two games against Australia earlier this month. Melbourne Victory will have to fend-off interest from Italy with Serie A newcomers Crotone also reportedly interested in signing Moras following Verona's relegation to Serie B.

Should they succeed in landing their target, Victory will boast one of the most experienced defenders in the league. Moras spent the past four seasons playing as the starting centre-back for Verona and previously played for Swansea, Bologna and Greek giants AEK Athens where he played in the UEFA Champions League. Moras played 27 games for Greece and was part of their 2014 World Cup squad.

Victory target: Vangelis Moras, front, in Serie A action for Hellas Verona. Credit:Getty Images

Moras did not feature against Australia in the recent series but is familiar with the city of Melbourne having travelled there to assist his sick brother, undergoing surgery to donate bone marrow.