Adelaide United is investigating the prospect of landing Bobo, the A-League's record breaking striker, as Reds 2016 championship winning attacker Bruce Djite is also set to return to Australian shores.

The Brazilian hit two hat-tricks and five doubles in his 35-goal haul for Premier’s Plate and FFA Cup winner Sydney FC last season before signing for Turkish Super League club Alanyaspor in the middle of the year.

Bobo, 33, is understood to be contemplating a move back to the A-League during next month’s FIFA January transfer window after winning Sydney’s player of the year award in May.

He has scored two goals for the 13th placed Turkish side in 11 league and cup appearances.

It’s understood Adelaide had discussed the prospect of signing the marksman before announcing on Wednesday night that its marquee striker Baba Diawara had knee surgery.

Now Adelaide is looking at whether Bobo is affordable before it makes an official approach for the Brazilian.

media_camera Former Sydney FC striker Bobo scores his second goal in a 3-0 win over Adelaide United last April. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

Baba, 30, will now be placed on the long-term injured list after playing just 27 A-League minutes off the bench in a 2-2 round two draw with Newcastle Jets at home where he reinjured his knee.

He made two FFA Cup appearances before Adelaide won the final after the Senegalese had a wretched run with injuries last season.

Adelaide coach Marco Kurz expects Baba to be out of action long term.

“It (surgery) is always the last step after a lot of moments to control (the injury) with conservative programs, but they didn't work,” Kurz said after Reds training on Thursday.

“Now we will see. I expect not a short-term injury.

“I think we need longer time and that for us is not a good message.

“But my focus is for the players that are available.

“The rest is to the medical staff to bring Baba back how quick they can.”

Meanwhile, Djite, 30, is destined to make a return to Sydney — his home state in January — but it’s not clear whether he will continue his career with Sydney FC.

The club does have room in its salary cap to sign another player as it prepares for AFC Champions League action as well as defending its A-League crown in the new year.

Djite ended his contract with Indonesian club PSM Makassar in July.

Djite has been contacted for comment.

“I’ll know what I’m doing after Christmas,’’ Djite said yesterday. “At this stage, nothing has been decided.’’