Central Coast Mariners are aiming to bolster their title defence by making up to three signings within a week, beginning with an Asian attacking midfielder who could arrive in the coming days.

The identity of the foreign playmaker remains unknown, but the club is in advanced talks with the player and hope to finalise a deal at the weekend as a replacement for the injured Marcos Flores. The Mariners' transfer target is understood to have played in one of the best leagues in the continent, and will likely be the first of a number of signings made by the club before the close of the summer transfer window on Wednesday.

Mariners coach Phil Moss would not reveal the identity of the players targeted.

''The negotiations are at a delicate stage but certainly if we get who I'm looking at, I'll be extremely happy,'' he said.