A sublime talent who can score from distance and inside the box, Kuranyi is also one of his country's most temperamental players. After he stormed out of a match at half-time, Germany coach Joachim Low vowed never to select Kuranyi, effectively ending his international career at the age of 26.

Nevertheless, Kuranyi would be one of the biggest signings in the history of the A-League, having represented the reigning world champions on 52 occasions between 2003 and 2008, scoring 19 goals. The Brazilian-born forward opted against playing for the Selecao, representing Germany at the 2004 and 2008 European Champions. He made himself known to Australian football fans by scoring against the Socceroos in Germany's 4-3 win in the 2005 Confederations Cup.

The Sky Blues are yet to open formal discussions with Kuranyi's representatives or Hoffenheim, who are eager to offload the veteran before the end of the season. Bottom of the Bundesliga and facing the prospect of relegation, Hoffenheim diminished the role of goalless Kuranyi to a bench player, limiting his appearances to 11, many of which were off the bench.

Meanwhile, Fairfax Media understands Central Coast Mariners are unlikely to pursue a move for former Greek international Giorgios Samaras in the upcoming transfer window. The club was eager to bring the former Manchester City and Celtic striker to Gosford but have decided against it due to his asking price as well as concerns about his fitness, as he has not played professionally since March.

The club is contemplating the future of talented young midfielder Anthony Caceres, who has requested a release from the remainder of his contract with the club. Caceres' future appears certain to lead him away from Gosford after the creative midfielder was dropped from the 16-man squad that beat Wellington Phoenix on New Year's Eve and asked to train away from the squad during a session last week.

Coach Tony Walmsley confirmed the club would be open to a trade deal with a rival A-League club involving Caceres but is not willing to release him freely. Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Melbourne Victory are said to have inquired about his availability but neither the player nor his agent knows whether he will be granted a release in January.

"I am waiting for [Mariners owner] Mike Charlesworth to indicate whether he intends to release Anthony Caceres or not. It's safe to say that other clubs are interested in him but we cannot discuss any move until he is granted a release and free to discuss his options," agent Tony Rallis said.