JAPANESE star Shinji Ono could sign with Western Sydney Wanderers within days after their limited discussions with Germany's Michael Ballack were terminated.

Ono's recruitment would be a significant coup for the A-League's newest side, given he is one of Asia's most popular players.

The 32-year-old midfielder has been a target for a few weeks but it's understood final negotiations are well under way.

While there had been significant speculation surrounding the possible recruitment of former Chelsea star Ballack, it was always an unlikely signing. Ballack's asking price was steep and a short-term stint would have attracted great publicity but not stability.

In Ono, the Wanderers would get a classy international who remains a potent attacking threat and can commit for two years.

It's believed Ono's asking price is about $800,000, roughly half of what 35-year-old Ballack was seeking.

Wanderers coach Tony Popovic previously played in the J-League against Ono.

Ono is commonly known as Tensai - Japanese for genius - and has played 56 games for Japan.

He currently plays for Japanese club Shimizu S-Pulse but is seeking a new direction. He has also had stints in Holland and Germany.

Ono would join the likes of international marquees Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey in a remarkable string of signings for the domestic competition.