Popovic's Wanderers and crosstown rival Sydney FC are expected to be the big movers in January's transfer window.

The situation is crticial for the champion of Asia, which is anchored at the bottom of the domestic ladder, winless from 11 games, and badly needing creative spark.

The Wanderers have already moved on Melbourne City's Nick Kalmar after an injury to Kearyn Baccus, who was himself signed on an injury replacement contract last November.

The World Game understands Daniel Mullen and Kwabena Appiah Kubi will sign for Newcastle Jets, with Wanderers also keen to move on off season recruits Vitor Saba and Seyi Andeleke.

"We have always been open and we have brought in players," Popovic said after Thursday night's scoreless draw with fellow struggler Central Coast Mariners.

"Last year we brought in Antony Golec and Daniel Mullen to help us. This year we brought in Nick Kalmar and Kearyn Baccus.

"So we're always looking. We're open to all possibilities in January."

Sydney FC is locked in a recruiting battle with Brisbane Roar for defender Luke DeVere.

The 25 year-old ex-Roar player is expected to return to Australia at the end of his contract with South Korea's Gyeongnam FC.

The Sky Blues have injury replacement money available to spend with four key squad members - Sasa Ognenovski, Corey Gameiro, Ali Abbas and Nicky Carle - out for the season.

Sydney coach Graham Arnold has been looking for a month and says it's not that easy with the sort of money he's allowed to offer in the A-League.

He's tapping into his European contacts, as is Central Coast boss Phil Moss.

The Mariners are eyeing one international and another local signing, with goal-scorers at the top of Moss' shopping list.

"I have got a lot of good contacts in England and Holland ... so we'll see what comes out of the woodwork," said Moss.

"But certainly we need some support for our front boys and someone who is a proven goalscorer."

Brisbane is set to sign ex-Wanderers defender Jerome Polenz, who has been training with Roar.

Perth Glory is on the lookout for a replacement for injured Youssouf Hersi, who will miss the remainder of the season with a torn hamstring.

Melbourne City has already attracted a potential trump card in Socceroos striker Josh Kennedy and other clubs will also be active, though Melbourne Victory, Wellington Phoenix and Adelaide United appear content with their squads and will be interested onlookers during the transfer period.