Markus Babbel has confirmed a Western Sydney homecoming is not on the cards for fringe Socceroo Tomi Juric, with his search for a line-leading striker zeroing in on a new target.

Babbel said Juric has told the Wanderers he is intent on staying put in Europe, ending discussions between the two parties as well as any hope of a reunion of the pair, who have previously worked together at FC Luzern.

Markus Babbel is seeking a striker who wants to be at the Wanderers - not just a player who wants to live in Sydney. Credit:AAP

"I want players who want to come (here), not because they don't have another option," Babbel said on Mondy. "I know Tomi quite well - top guy, top striker, but he wants to stay in Europe and this is what I like about Tomi, he's straight, he's saying it."

Mitch Duke's meniscus injury, which will sideline him until the initial weeks of the A-League season, has underlined the urgent need for a new No.9, with Kwame Yeboah the only viable option at the point of attack for Wednesday's FFA Cup clash away to Perth Glory.