The Covert Agent: Melbourne Victory hunt Nick Ansell to replace James Donachie

EXCLUSIVE: Victory are trying to entice a former son back to the club to fill a gap at the back

Melbourne Victory are looking to bring defender Nick Ansell back to the club in a bid to replenish their depleted defensive stocks.

The Covert Agent can reveal Portuguese-based centre-half Ansell is Victory's No.1 target to replace James Donachie, who joined Korea's Jeonnam Dragons last month.

Ansell, 24, joined Premeira Liga club Tondela last year, after seven years at the Melbourne club including winning the A-League double in 2014-15.

Victory's squad currently has only two recognised central defenders in Rhys Williams or Thomas Deng.

Coach Kevin Muscat has already brought in defensive reinforcements with full back duo Storm Roux and Corey Brown joining from Central Coast and Brisbane respectively.

But star striker Besart Berisha has left for Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima, leaving the club with a vacant marquee position.