Melbourne Victory is incensed by what it believes is a derisory offer from a Japanese club to prise away one of its star players on the cheap.

J-League side Cerezo Osaka is targetting key midfielder Mitch Nichols - but has offered only $200,000 as a transfer fee, according to Victory sources.

Insulting offer: Mitch Nichols. Credit:Getty Images

The sum was described as ''peanuts'' by one insider, while another said the Japanese club's offer was an insult for one of the best players in the A-League.

Victory will not be entertaining a deal, but will be hoping that the 24-year-old's head will not be turned by such approaches.