MELBOURNE Heart, its depth certain to be tested in the second half of the A-League season, is eyeing former Adelaide United midfielder Paul Reid.

Heart was dealt a cruel blow with confirmation that captain Fred could miss up to six weeks with a groin tear.

Certain to lose three starters to Olyroos duty for three consecutive games and with defender Adrian Madaschi on the verge of signing for Koreans Jeju United, Heart will delve into the transfer market.

The A-League transfer window opens on January 17 but, because he is uncontracted, Reid can be signed immediately, although Adelaide coach John Kosmina is also interested in coaxing him back.

Capped twice by the Socceroos, Reid, 32, was surprisingly axed by former United coach Rini Coolen and has struggled to find a new club.

He was due to sign for Iranians Mes Sarcheshme in November, but was disappointed by the facilities and opted to return home.

Heart football operations manager John Didulica said the club would make a signing in the near future.

"He (Reid) is an option," Didulica said. "We're looking at a number of options now that Adrian's gone and Fred's out for probably four-six weeks.

"Subject to quality we will sign a player."

Originally published as Heart's search for new blood