WESTERN Sydney Wanderers have been linked with re-signing Socceroos defender Matthew Spiranovic as the scrutiny over Tony Popovic intensifies.

Reportedly on the verge of snapping up striker Ryan Griffiths, it has now been revealed Wanderers have inquired about bringing back Spiranovic to the club.

The Socceroo, whose stint in China looks all but over after Hangzhou Greentown were relegated from the Chinese Super League, is on the lookout for a new club to ensure he remains in Ange Postecoglou’s plans for the 2017 Confederations Cup.

According to the New Daily’s Anthony Colangelo, that could mean coming back to the club where he reignited his club career.

Matthew Spiranovic back to WSW is being negotiated. Hearing WSW are trying to make it happen. — Anthony Colangelo (@AnthColangelo) January 29, 2017

After an injury-ravaged time in Germany with FC Nurnberg, Spiranovic had stints in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds and in the UAE with Al-Arabi before returning to the A-League.

Under Popovic, Spiranovic made 39 appearances for the club and was a key figure in their Asian Champions League success as well as scoring in the 2014 Grand Final loss to Brisbane Roar.

Tune in to hear Wanderers coach Tony Popovic and former goalkeeper Ante Covic on Bill & Boz, Monday night 9.30pm AEDT on Fox Sports News channel 500

IT’S A-LEAGUE MEDIA WATCH ...

BULUT MOVES TO GERMAN CLUB

Former Wanderers striker Kerem Bulut has found a new club over the weekend, unveiled by German third division side SV Wehan Wiesbaden until the end of the season.

Having been released by Tony Popovic after disappointing in his six games back in the A-League, the 24-year-old will be hoping to get his turbulent career back on track.

“Wehen Wiesbaden is the best choice for me,” Bulut told the club’s official website. “I have been informed about the club and the city from some friends who have already played in Germany.

“The discussions with the coach and the responsible persons were very good. I am convinced that we will play well together.”

PHOENIX PLAYERS SUFFERING HEATSTROKE

Football Federation Australia have defended the decision to go ahead with Sunday’s game between Adelaide and Wellington, with some Phoenix players reportedly suffering heatstroke during the 2-2 draw.

A request to delay the game was made to FFA, which was rejected, with the fixture in Adelaide played in oppressive temperatures above 38 degrees.

Some Phoenix players suffered heatstroke and were sick at halftime of a game which featured drinks breaks at 15-minute intervals.

Phoenix players stop to drink during their game in Adelaide. Source: AAP

But a statement from the governing body says that, while the temperature was hot, it did not exceed the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reading required to take action. Instead, the match officials acted pre-emptively to allow frequent drinks breaks despite not being required to do so.

“The FFE Heat Policy clearly states that drinks breaks should be implemented if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) reaches 26 degrees and there should be consideration of delays and postponement if the WBGT reaches 28,” the statement read.

“The FFA Heat Policy offers greater consideration to players welfare than the FIFA policy and that of most other sports around the world.

“In line with FFA’s Heat Policy both clubs were informed throughout the week of the forecast WBGT for Adelaide on Sunday to ensure the players were professionally prepared.

“The WBGT reading before the match on Sunday in Adelaide was 25.6. Despite this, Head of Hyundai A-League Greg O’Rourke, who was at the match, consulted both Team Doctors and it was agreed to insert drinks breaks into the match as a further sign of FFA’s interest in player welfare. This was all agreed and acknowledged by both teams.

“FFA has since been informed by medical staff at the match that no players suffered heat stroke during the match.”

Wellington coach Chris Greenacre said after the game: “They’re absolutely shattered. At the end of the day we are wanting to put a product out there for everybody. For fans at home they want to see a high-tempo game, lots of opportunities and I think factors like the heat really set us back a little bit.

“It could probably be addressed better after today, it probably will be addressed I think. It’s about the welfare of the players, that is what matters. Supporters will always come to the games and we’re concerned of their welfare; the players are the guys out there that are really putting their necks on the line.”

BRISBANE ROAR WILL BE READY: ALOISI

Brisbane coach John Aloisi believes the Roar will be ready for Tuesday night’s AFC Champions League playoff rivals Global FC, despite only just receiving game footage of the unheralded Filipino side.

Aloisi said on he was finally able to source footage on Sunday of Global FC’s last game against Singapore’s Tampines Rovers.

“This is going to be a big occasion for them and we have to be ready for that,” Aloisi said.

The winner of the playoff face Shanghai Shenhua in China the following week for a spot in the tournament’s group stage.

A new-look Roar team will run out on Tuesday night with Brisbane also hosting undefeated A-League ladder leaders Sydney FC on Friday night.

RUDAN CHECKING OUT ROAR’S NEXT OPPONENT

If Brisbane Roar beat Global FC, they’ll face Shanghai Shenhua in the Asian Champions League.

Shanghai, who are Carlos Tevez’s new club, are busy preparing to face the A-League side by arranging a friendly against Aussie opponents.

NSW National Premier League side Sydney United have been flown out for a friendly, with former manager and Fox Sports football expert Mark Rudan joining them on the trip.