Mitchell returned to Australia this week following a month-long scouting mission in Europe as the Glory look to fill their vacant marquee player position ahead of the new season in August.

Recoba, 33, is apparently keen to leave his current club Panionios when his contract runs out at the end of the Greek season and make a move to Australia.

That has captured the attention of a number of A-League teams, but Glory would seemingly be in the best position to meet his wage demands with their ambitious owner Tony Sage looking to fill the vacant marquee role with a high-profile name.

And while Recoba would certainly fit the bill, Mitchell was keen to play down speculation despite admitting discussions had started during his European trip.

“There was an agent that said he had Recoba and asked were we interested,” Mitchell said of Recoba who spent a decade at Serie A giants Inter.

“The next step is how much is he going to be worth and does he really want to come to Perth.

“Again it’s an ongoing thing, nothing’s been decided but there’s been discussions.

“These players earn a lot of money and that’s a big factor (so) you could have three or four good players who say they’re interested but when you get down to the nitty gritty it comes down to the dollar really.

“He’s (Recoba) keen to come to Australia, that’s what we’ve heard, so we’re one of a few clubs that have shown an interest and that’s where it stands at the minute.

“But I’m not confident of getting any players until they sign on the dotted line.”

Should Recoba make the move to Australia he would be well known to A-League fans for his role in the sometimes tetchy World Cup qualification play-offs between the Socceroos and Uruguay in 2001 and 2005.

Central Coast Mariners vs Perth Glory

Central Coast Mariners vs Perth Glory
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Local kick off 6pm AEDT
Bluetongue Stadium
Referee: Strebre Delovski

Central Coast Mariners Squad: 2. Andre GUMPRECHT, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Bradley PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Dean HEFFERNAN, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Adrian CACERES, 12. Greg OWENS, 13. Paul O’GRADY, 15. Andrew CLARK, 17. Matthew OSMAN, 18. Alex WILKINSON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Sasho PETROVSKI, 23. Mile JEDINAK, 30. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk)
*one to be omitted.

In. 9. Nik MRDJA (Promoted), 12. Greg OWENS (Promoted), 13. Paul O’GRADY (Promoted).
Out. 11. Dylan MACALLISTER (Suspended 1 week), 19. Matt SIMON (Suspended 1 week).
Unavailable. 16. Nigel BOOGAARD (Ankle Indefinite), 21. Ahmad ELRICH (Knee Season).

Perth Glory Squad: 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 1.Jason PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 4.Jamie COYNE (c), 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 7.Nick RIZZO, 9.Adrian TRINIDAD, 11.Scott BULLOCH, 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.James DOWNEY, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 25.Marc ANTHONY, 29.Victor SIKORA, 31.Scott NEVILLE

In. 4.Jamie COYNE (return from injury), 11.Scott BULLOCH (promoted), 31.Scott NEVILLE (promoted from Youth Team)
Out. 3.David TARKA (omitted), 14.Eugene DADI (omitted), 22.Wayne SRHOJ (corked thigh 1 week)
Unavailable. Josip MAGDIC (ankle season), AMARAL (hamstring season), James ROBINSON (abdomen 1 week), Hayden FOXE (leg test), Hayden DOYLE (ankle 2 weeks).

Perth Glory vs Adelaide United

Perth Glory vs Adelaide United
Friday, December 26
Local kick off 8pm (10pm AEDT)
Members Equity Stadium
Referee: Craig Zetter

Perth Glory Squad: 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 1.Jason PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 3.David TARKA, 5.Jamie HARNWELL (c), 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Nick RIZZO, 9.Adrian TRINIDAD, 11.Scott BULLOCH, 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.James DOWNEY, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21.Mark LEE, 22.Wayne SRHOJ, 25.Marc ANTHONY, 28.Andrija JUKIC, 29.Victor SIKORA.
* four to be omitted.

In. 6.Dino DJULBIC (promoted), 11.Scott BULLOCH (promoted), 21.Mark LEE (promoted), 29.Victor SIKORA (pending clearance).
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. Josip MAGDIC (ankle season), AMARAL (hamstring season), James ROBINSON (abdomen 1 weeks), Hayden FOXE (leg test), Jamie COYNE (calf 2 weeks), Hayden DOYLE (ankle tba).

Adelaide United Squad: 20.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 3.ALEMAO, 4.Angelo COSTANZO, 5.Michael VALKANIS, 6.CASSIO, 8.Kristian SARKIES, 10.CRISTIANO, 13.Travis DODD (c), 14.Scott JAMIESON, 15.Jonas SALLEY, 16.Daniel MULLEN, 18.Fabian BARBIERO, 19.Sasa OGNENOVSKI, 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO, 24.Paul REID, 25.Robert YOUNIS,
*2 to be omitted

In. 4.Angelo COSTANZO (promoted), 5.Michael VALKANIS (promoted), 16.Daniel MULLEN (promoted), 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO (promoted), 25.Robert YOUNIS (promoted).
Out. Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk) (ankle 6 weeks), Diego (quad 2 weeks)
Unavailable. Daniel BELTRAME (knee season), Lucas Pantelis (knee Indefinite).

Sydney FC v Perth Glory

Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Sunday, December 21
Local kick off 5pm AEDT
Sydney Football Stadium
Referee: Ben Williams

Sydney FC Squad: 1. Clint BOLTON (gk), 2. Iain FYFE, 7. Rob MIDDLEBY, 8. Stuart MUSIALIK, 10. Steve CORICA (c), 12. Shannon COLE, 14. Alex BROSQUE, 16. Chris PAYNE, 19. Mark BRIDGE, 20. Ivan NECEVSKI (gk), 23. John ALOISI, 28. Bobby PETTA, 29. Beau BUSCH, 31. Antony GOLEC, 32. Brendan GAN.

In. Nil.
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. 3. Adam BIDDLE (ankle 1 week), 18. Adam CASEY (quadricep – 2 weeks), 4. Simon COLOSIMO (groin 2 weeks), 22. Mike ENFIELD (knee indefinite), 15. Terry McFLYNN (knee 3 weeks), 5. Mitchell PRENTICE (groin 1 week), 11. Brendon SANTALAB (shoulder 2 weeks).

Perth Glory Squad: 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 1.Jason PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 3.David TARKA, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 7.Nick RIZZO, 9.Adrian TRINIDAD, 11.Scott BULLOCH, 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.James DOWNEY, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21.Mark LEE, 22.Wayne SRHOJ, 25.Marc ANTHONY, 28.Andrija JUKIC.
* two to be omitted.

In. 9.Adrian TRINIDAD (return from injury), 21.Mark LEE (promoted).
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. Josip MAGDIC (ankle season), AMARAL (hamstring season), James ROBINSON (abdomen 2 weeks), Hayden FOXE (leg test), Jamie COYNE (calf 2 weeks).

  VS

Wellington Phoenix vs Central Coast Mariners

Wellington Phoenix v Central Coast Mariners
Friday, December 19
Local kick off 7.30pm (5.30pm AEDT)
Westpac Stadium
Referee: Chris Beath

Wellington Phoenix Squad: 2. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. Karl DODD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Vaughan COVENY, 9. Shane SMELTZ, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 12. Richard JOHNSON, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 15. Adam KWASNIK, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Glen MOSS (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (captain), 25. Manny MUSCAT, 30. Scott HIGGINS (gk).
*three to be omitted.

In. 8. Vaughan COVENY (promoted), 12. Richard JOHNSON (promoted), 15. Adam KWASNIK (promoted).
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. 17. Vince LIA (knee  season).

Central Coast Mariners Squad: 2. Andre GUMPRECHT, 4. Pedj BOJIC, 5. Bradley PORTER, 7. John HUTCHINSON, 8. Dean HEFFERNAN, 9. Nik MRDJA, 10. Adrian CACERES, 11. Dylan MACALLISTER, 15. Andrew CLARK, 17. Matthew OSMAN, 18. Alex WILKINSON, 19. Matt SIMON, 20. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Sasho PETROVSKI, 23. Mile JEDINAK, 30. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk).
*one to be omitted.

In. 15. Andrew CLARK (Promoted)
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. 16. Nigel BOOGAARD (Ankle  Indefinite), 21. Ahmad ELRICH (Knee  Season).

Former Ajax and Dutch International Victor Sikora who played six times for Holland jets into Perth as injury cover for Amaral.

Dave Mitchell will look over the attacking player and most likely be put into the Glory squad as early as Boxing Day game against Adelaide.

“We have been proactive in our efforts to find quality players and there was an opportunity to bring Victor over and we’re delighted that it has worked out for everyone involved,” Mitchell said.

“It is disappointing that Amaral is sidelined but we haven’t just sat on our hands, Victor is someone who will definitely bring something to our squad.”

Sikora had recently been playing for Major League Soccer club FC Dallas and jumped at the chance to head down under.

“It has proved to be an ideal solution, being able to bring him in for a short space of time with the view to next season. I’m sure he’ll be able to add an extra spark to what has been some excellent football by the lads in recent weeks,” said Mitchell.

“We’ve worked hard behind the scenes to make this happen and I’m delighted that he is able to get here so quickly.

“Victor is eager to get straight into action and with a home game on Boxing Day and a big crowd expected at Members Equity Stadium it could be a great opportunity to expose him to the A-League and the Perth Glory fans.”

“He is a very versatile player and can fill a few holes if needs be,” added Mitchell. “He’s played as a striker, in midfield and also out wide.

“Victor brings experience from the highest levels in Europe and I know Glory supporters will be very happy watching him play, he’s an exciting player.”

Previous clubs: 1994-1999: Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands); 1999-2002 Vitesse Arnhem (Netherlands); 2002-2004 Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands); 2004/05 Heerenveen (Netherlands); 2005-2008 NAC Breda (Netherlands); 2008 FC Dallas (USA)

  VS

Wellington Phoenix vs Perth Glory

Wellington Phoenix v Perth Glory
Saturday, December 13
Local kick off 7pm (5pm AEDT)
Westpac Stadium
Referee: Strebre Delovski

Wellington Phoenix Squad: 2. Jeremy CHRISTIE, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. Karl DODD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 9. Shane SMELTZ, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Glen MOSS (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (captain), 25. Manny MUSCAT, 30. Scott HIGGINS (gk).
*one to be omitted.

In. 5. Karl DODD (promoted), 30. Scott HIGGINS (gk, short-term injury replacement).
Out. 1. Mark PASTON (ribs four weeks), 27. FRED (personal).
Unavailable. 17. Vince LIA (knee season).

Perth Glory Squad: 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 1.Jason PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 3.David TARKA, 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Nick RIZZO, 9.Adrian TRINIDAD, 11.Scott BULLOCH, 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.James DOWNEY, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21.Mark LEE, 22.Wayne SRHOJ, 25.Marc ANTHONY, 28.Andrija JUKIC.
* three to be omitted

In. 3.David TARKA (promoted), 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA (return from injury), 21.Mark LEE (promoted), 28.Andrija JUKIC (promoted from Youth Team).
Out. 4.Jamie COYNE (calf 3 weeks).
Unavailable. Josip MAGDIC (ankle season), AMARAL (hamstring season), James ROBINSON (abdomen 3 weeks), Hayden Foxe (leg test).

Dave Mitchell agreed with the trial that would possibly benefit Djulbic and Perth Glory.

“With the European transfer window not far off they wanted to have a closer look at Dino before making a decision on securing his services in January,” Mitchell said.

“Dino is out of contract with the Glory after this season but if this opportunity works out then it will not only be good for him but Perth Glory will benefit by colleting a transfer fee.”

“We have three matches in 13 days to finish off this month and we all agreed that this was the only time Dino could complete the trial before the January window.”

Amaral suffered an injury last month tearing a tendon in his right hamstring, but has aggravated the injury to require further attention.

“It’s very disappointing because he is a quality player and his experience and professionalism has been a big boost for the club on the park,” said Perth coach Dave Mitchell.

“He’s a big game player, the sort of player that can make things happen and turn a game.”

“He’ll be missed but it gives other players the opportunity to step-up and since Amaral has been out we’ve been able to cover for him and create a midfield combination that is working well.”

Mitchell has said that even though his contract will end this season the club will consider extending his stay.

“We’ll have a closer look at how he recovers after the operation but there is no doubting his ability and the influence he had,” he said.

“He loves Perth and wants to play a role in helping Glory be a title contender and we’ll make an assessment on his future at the club later down the track.”

“The prognosis is good, the surgery will fix the problem and the doctors are confident he’ll be back better than ever.”

  VS

Perth Glory vs Melbourne Victory

Perth Glory vs Melbourne Victory
Saturday, December 6
Local kick off 6pm (8pm AEDT)
Members Equity Stadium
Referee: Peter Green

Perth Glory Squad: 30.Tando VELAPHI (gk), 1.Jason PETKOVIC (gk), 2.Nikolai TOPOR-STANLEY, 3.David TARKA, 4.Jamie COYNE (c), 5.Jamie HARNWELL, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Nick RIZZO, 9.Adrian TRINIDAD, 11.Scott BULLOCH, 13.Nikita RUKAVYTSYA, 14.Eugene DADI, 16.Adriano PELLEGRINO, 17.James DOWNEY, 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI, 21.Mark LEE, 22.Wayne SRHOJ, 25.Marc ANTHONY.
* three to be omitted.

In. 1.Jason PETKOVIC (promoted), 3.David TARKA (promoted), 11.Scott BULLOCH (promoted), 19.Naum SEKULOVSKI (return from injury).
Out. 20.Frank JURIC (omitted).
Unavailable. Josip MAGDIC (ankle season), James ROBINSON (abdomen 4 weeks), Hayden FOXE (leg 1 week), AMARAL (knee 1 week).

Melbourne Victory Squad: 1.Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2.Kevin MUSCAT (Captain), 3.Michael THWAITE, 7.Matthew KEMP, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.Danny ALLSOPP, 10.Archie THOMPSON, 11.NEY FABIANO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 14.Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 17.Jose LUIS LOPEZ, 19.Evan BERGER, 20.Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), 22.Nick WARD.
*One to be omitted.

In. Evan BERGER (return from injury).
Out. Nil.
Unavailable. Nil.