According to The Advertiser newspaper, Adelaide United are close to signing a European-based Australian to join the Reds for the 2013/14 season. The news came from a fan forum at the Coopers Stadium where fans were given the chance to ask questions of members of United's front office.

Val Migliaccio, the author of The Advertiser story, tweeted this morning about former Gold Coast United, Brisbane Roar and Australia U21 midfielder Steven Luštica:

Can't keep this quiet any longer. Croatian paper saying @steven_lustica has had his contract terminated at Hadjuk @adelutd_fc — Val Migliaccio (@Val61) September 9, 2013

Luštica left Gold Coast after in 2011 at age 20, joining Croatian side Hajduk Split of the Prva HNL. After two seasons in Split with loan spells at NK Dugopolje of the Croatian second division and Brisbane Roar for 10 games last season, Luštica has apparently been freed from his contractual obligation in Croatia. That would open the door for the Canberra native to return to the A-League on a full-time basis. Luštica scored twice in his eight league appearances and started in both finals games for the Roar in 2012/13.

The 22-year old would be a strong addition to Josep Gombau's remade team, which has included the departure of Dario Vidosic and the arrivals of Spanish attackers Isaías and Cirio and Australian Michael Zullo.

Migliaccio's article also indicated that Matt Thompson, the league's all-time record holder for caps is on trial with Adelaide having failed to win a spot at Wellington Phoenix in August.