BRISBANE Roar are set to unveil their replacement for departed Spanish midfielder Corona as early as next week, with the deal close to completion.

The Courier-Mail this week revealed the Roar were in talks with a European midfielder of international pedigree following silky Corona’s return to Spanish second division club Almeria.

It’s understood the expecting signing ¬ who last season played in the top-flight Dutch Eredivisie ¬ has had his medical.

The Roar are hoping to announce the deal next week and have not ruled out using the player in their FFA Cup round-of-32 clash against Perth Glory at Ballymore on August 10.

The club’s return to Ballymore for training and administration operations is taking longer than the Roar expected.

Coach John Aloisi had hoped to already be training on the first-class Ballymore surface but the squad continue to go through their paces at Griffith University’s Nathan campus, where the ground is not up to the required standard.

Negotiations are continuing between the Roar and Ballymore owners Queensland Rugby Union, with the deal expected to be finalised early next month.

The Roar’s youth team is in NPL Queensland action tonight against competition leaders FNQ Heat at the Cleveland Showgrounds.

“The side this weekend is going to be relatively inexperienced but I’m still confident that the boys will go out and put on a good show for the club,” Roar youth coach Josh McCloughan said.

In tonight’s other NPLQ matches, SWQ Thunder host Gold Coast City, Northern Fury visit Brisbane City and Moreton Bay are at home to Olympic.