Loading A new player could be about to emerge on the A-League's broadcast landscape in the not-too-distant future. Multiple industry sources are aware of recent murmurs from DAZN - pronounced 'Da Zone', apparently - who appear to be positioning themselves for a possible bid for the rights to the competition. DAZN is an over-the-top streaming platform - much like Kayo Sports - which is owned by the Perform Group and available in a selection of European countries, plus Japan, Canada and the United States. Football appears to be their major strategic priority when launching into a new market. For example, much of the cash splashing around in the J.League at the moment is sourced from a deal signed with DAZN worth nearly $3 billion over 10 years, which began in 2017 and covers the domestic rights for Japan’s top three divisions.

DAZN does not have a presence in Australia just yet, but there is a job posting on their website for an advertising sales executive in Sydney, and A-League identities are aware they are "sniffing around" the domestic football scene here. That suggests that if and when DAZN's service is rolled out here, A-League rights could be part of their initial offering to consumers. Given there are four seasons left to run on the A-League's current contract with Fox Sports, DAZN would need to either cool their heels until 2023, or put forward a proposition strong enough to convince all parties to move away from the status quo. Given the rapidly-evolving nature of sports broadcasting these days, it's worth watching this space. All's quiet on the Western front

Western United has brought in some intriguing names for their first season as an A-League club, but one of their most exciting recruits has completely fallen off the radar. Former Melbourne Victory and Ajax prospect Sebastian Pasquali has not featured in the expansion side's first two games, nor has he been included in their squad to face Melbourne City on Sunday in the club's first 'derby' of sorts. It's not because of injury. A source with knowledge of the situation has informed The Hairdryer that Pasquali, 19, is simply out of favour with coach Mark Rudan, who is said to be dissatisfied by his training performances and off-field application. Western United has not responded to a request for clarification. Let's hope Pasquali gets himself back in Rudan's good books soon - most observers reckon he has the potential to become a rusted-on Socceroo, but clearly needs to match it with the desire.

The Old Lady's interest Loading Lisa De Vanna is on the verge of being left out of the Matildas' squad for their friendly series against Chile next month, but her club career is going swimmingly in Italy. The Hairdryer reported last week that the 34-year-old has become a personal favourite of Fiorentina owner Rocco Commissio, but it can be revealed that she very nearly ended up at an even bigger club - Juventus. Sources close to the veteran striker suggest she was in negotiations with the Bianconeri in late July before making an 11th-hour decision to sign for Fiorentina.