The Sky Blues' defensive stocks have been stretched with that loss of Sasa Ognenovski and Ali Abbas, who have gone down with season-ending injuries. But they will have to move quickly to snatch DeVere away from what seems an inevitable move to his old club, once he returns from a season-end holiday in Fiji.

Brisbane are also interested in Jerome Polenz, the former Western Sydney right-back who has been training with the club after being released by Norwegian club Sarpsborg 08. Despite losing Ivan Franjic in the pre-season, the Roar already have Daniel Bowles and Jack Hingert who can play in the same position.

Perth Glory pair Jack Clisby and Brandon O'Neill are also sure to attract interest after seeing hardly any first-team action under Kenny Lowe this season. Despite being contracted, the pair may be granted a release, and Melbourne Heart and Central Coast have shown interest in the duo.

Wanderers forward Labinot Haliti will be watching closely the potential transfer of Tomi Juric. If Juric stays and Brendon Santalab recovers from a shoulder injury, Haliti may find competition for places too fierce now Nikita Rukavytsya has arrived. Interest has come for Haliti from both other A-League clubs and overseas, but the Wanderers would rather keep him.

Western Sydney have already done their first bit of shopping, taking defensive midfielder Nick Kalmar from Melbourne City. It is expected Sydney FC will be the window's most active club, as they have up to four injury-replacement contracts to hand out to free agents.