Set to be released by Middlesbrough after 11 years at the Riverside at season’s end, Williams, 27 – who can operate either at the the back or in midfield – is viewed by coach Kenny Lowe and general manager of football Jacob Burns as a key target in their plans to boost an already vibrant squad.

His younger brother Aryn is already on Glory's books, and Williams has a long relationship with Lowe stretching back to their time together at renowned Western Australian talent factory ECU Joondalup.

“I understand they are talks to see if Rhys can come to terms with us but nothing has been finalised since then, other than the fact they are talking,” said Sage if Williams, who after two years in the wilderness through injury is now fit again and ready to resurrect his career at the club level and also with the national team.

“It's been difficult for Rhys with his injuries but we will see what happens. He could link up with his brother … we have an excellent squad and my bet is he will come back to the A-league.

"But whether it's with us at Perth that’s up to Jacob and Kenny to sort out with Rhys. He was at the stadium a few weeks back to watch his brother Aryn play against Melbourne City.

"I didn’t meet him but he met with Jacob Burns and Kenny Lowe, and he did mention he is keen to come back to his home town."

CEO Peter Filopoulos, who has overseen a stunning turnaround in the cub’s fortunes this season as they have climbed off the canvas from the salary cap scandal, said Glory were examining a number of options in regard to player recruitment.

Speaking after Glory's 2-0 elimination final loss to Melbourne City, he said: “We are looking at several players for next season and we will hopefully be in a position to make some announcements in the coming days and weeks.

“We've had a good season and have a platform to build on … we feel we’ve rebuilt the credibility of the club in the marketplace.

"Our win, draw, loss ratio over the last two seasons puts us at the top … we had 50 points last year, 46 this year and have made consecutive FFA Cup finals.

“That's been outstanding, and the way we have responded off the back of last year has been something we are all proud of. We need to use this now as a springboard to greater heights.

“We have plenty more to achieve, we haven’t achieved much yet but a lot of clubs might have capitulated after what happened last year. We have shown great resilience."