After bringing the likes of Tim Cahill, David Villa and Nicolas Colazo to the A-League, Melbourne City's newest marquee is set to be one that flies underneath the radar. Reports from sources suggest the cashed-up club are on the cusp of signing well-travelled Croatian attacking midfielder Antun Palic as a marquee for next season.

The 29-year-old former Croatian youth international is emerging as the man most likely to replace Argentinian Nicolas Colazo as Melbourne City's marquee and a deal could be finalised as early as this week.

Antun Palic signing on for Romania's Dinamo Bucharest in 2015. Source: Instagram.

It's understood the club's priority during the off-season was to sign an attacking midfielder to provide more service to the likes of Bruno Fornaroli while replacing the departure of former playmaker, Anthony Caceres.

Sources suggest the club was not in the market to sign a high-profile marquee despite the riches on offer from City Football Group - its parent company and was looking for a player at the peak of his career whilst being affordable.