Central Coast Mariners are entertaining the idea of signing another guest player - but have ruled out taking advantage of the relaxed regulations and bringing in a high-profile star for the full season.

Citing the costs of signing a guest player for an entire year, Mariners coach Tony Walmsley says his club can't afford the outlay to bring in a big-name player for a full season, but have flagged a move in the summer transfer market.

Perhaps the only bright light in an otherwise dismal season for the Mariners last campaign was the capture of former Liverpool winger Luis Garcia as a guest player last January.