Former Perth Glory captain Michael Thwaite appears to have played his last game for the club, while young defender Josh Risdon looks set to stay put for now.
Glory chief executive Peter Filopoulos said the club, through Thwaite’s management, had been in discussions with several Chinese clubs about acquiring the 32-year-old’s services during the January transfer window.
Thwaite has missed Glory’s past two matches with a knee injury and it appears he is unlikely to be risked while Chinese clubs are circling.
Filopoulos was optimistic a deal could be struck for Thwaite as early as this week.
“There are some conversations and some correspondence with a couple of Chinese clubs through various agents, but we haven’t finalised anything as yet,” Filopolous said.
“Michael’s got some ambitions and we’ve known that for several months, I’ve known that since I’ve arrived here (in June).
“He did have an agreement with the club that if something did come his way during the course of his remaining contract, which ends in May, we wouldn’t stand in his way.”
Risdon, who made his Socceroos debut in November, has been linked with a possible move to Germany, but Filopoulos poured cold water on any possible deals for the promising right back during this transfer window.
“There’s been no discussion on Josh Risdon leaving in this window,” Filopoulos said.
“We’re very keen for him to renew his contract here at the club for another two years. We’re in deep discussions with him and his management at the moment.”
Filopoulos expected a deal that will see defender Antony Golec join FC Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova to be finalised during the coming days, pending a confirmation of a successful medical clearance.
Glory has already cut ties with winger Sidnei Sciola and forward Guyon Fernandez during the January transfer window, while returning star striker Andy Keogh to their roster. The club is also understood to be inquiring about other new signings.
