Tasnim – Sydney FC is in talks to sign former Iranian international forward Reza Ghoochannejhad in what would be a massive boost to their A-League title hopes and forthcoming AFC Champions League campaign.
The Sky Blues are close to securing the 31-year-old on a loan deal for the remainder of the season from Cypriot powerhouse APOEL FC.
Ghoochannejhad - nicknamed 'Gucci' - scored 17 goals in 44 appearances for Iran before retiring after last year's World Cup in Russia, where he was part of Carlos Queiroz's squad but did not play a minute.
Prior to joining APOEL, he played two seasons for SC Heerenveen, where he bagged 27 goals in 67 Eredivisie matches.
Reports in the Cypriot media say Ghoochannejhad could be just days away from confirming a move to Australia.
Sitting in second place on the A-League ladder, two points behind leaders Perth Glory, the Sky Blues remain firmly in the hunt for silverware despite some shaky form under rookie coach Steve Corica.
The addition of Ghoochannejhad could give them a much-needed new dimension up front and a quality strike partner for Adam Le Fondre.
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Their interest in Ghoochannejhad has been longstanding. The club originally looked at him as a marquee player for this season but was unable to meet his wage demands.
He subsequently signed a two-year contract with APOEL, which made him one of the highest-paid players in Cyprus, but has played only 10 times and is seeking a move to a team where he will feature more regularly.