BRISBANE Roar’s quest to replace departed midfielder Corona has them in advanced talks with an experienced European midfielder with international pedigree.

While last week’s announcement that Corona was returning to Spanish team Almeria shocked many, Roar coach John Aloisi knew it was on the cards and had already started the search for a replacement.

It is understood the man likely to replace Corona has similar ability on the ball but also has a defensive presence and strength that were not a part of the silky Spaniard’s make-up.

The Roar have three visa spots up their sleeve, with the other two likely to be filled by a playmaker and someone in the mould of former Brisbane livewire Henrique, who was able to cover a variety of attacking roles.

media_camera Brisbane Roar are in talks with an experienced midfielder to replace Spaniard Corona (pictured).

The club hopes another visa player position becomes available but German fullback Jerome Polenz remains with the club after the parties failed to agree to a payout figure.

Despite reports linking Brett Holman to the Roar, the former Socceroo — who does not meet FFA’s “full season guest player” criteria — won’t be signed by Brisbane.

Melbourne City are set to use the rule to sign Socceroos striker Tim Cahill, who has parted company with Chinese club Hangzhou Greentown.

Off the field, the Roar have advertised for a chief executive officer, a commercial general manager, a hospitality sales manager and a membership manager.

Roar managing director Daniel Cobb, currently acting Brisbane CEO, is in Europe for meetings with clubs and potential investors.