THE Roar are in the race to sign Daniel De Silva, with the former teen prodigy in Brisbane on Thursday for talks with the three-time A-League champions.

The Courier-Mail has learnt the 21-year-old playmaker and his father Rod dined with Roar coach John Aloisi at Caxton St restaurant Gambaro’s before being taken on a tour of the club’s Logan training facility and administration base.

Perth-born De Silva was this season at Central Coast Mariners after spending the previous two years at Dutch club Roda.

AWARD: Young named Roar’s best

OPTIONS: Roar to sign Danish winger

Despite De Silva still being contracted to the Mariners, it is understood he has permission to negotiate with other clubs.

media_camera Brisbane Roar have held talks with Central Coast Mariners playmaker Daniel De Silva.

It’s believed Melbourne City loom as the biggest threat to Brisbane’s chances of luring the former Australian under-20 international to Queensland.

De Silva is expected to let Aloisi know his intentions within two weeks.

The Roar’s pursuit of De Silva continues their aggressive recruiting strategy, with the club having already secured the services of former Perth Glory striker Adam Taggart and Danish winger Tobias Mikkelsen.

Striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls, a prolific goalscorer at NPL Queensland level with Western Pride, has also been linked with a move to Brisbane.

Meanwhile, departing Roar attacker Massimo Maccarone is set to extend his career by one more season.

The 38-year-old marksman, who returns to Italy on Saturday after not being offered a new deal by Aloisi, has shelved retirement plans and is expected to next season play for Italian lower-division club Carrarese.

Third-tier Carrarese, based in Tuscany, are in contention for promotion to Italy’s Serie B competition.

LIVE stream the Newcastle Jets v Melbourne Victory in the 2017/18 Hyundai A-League Grand Final on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week Foxtel Now trial & start watching in minutes. SIGN UP NOW >