Eight months out from Gold Coast United's debut game in Shanghai, the outlines of a "dream" team are beginning to emerge.

As Palmer, Bleiberg and Okon discuss signings, the style of football they want to play is also becoming clearer. United have already announced four signings, including Wellington striker Shane Smeltz, and the heat is on Jason Culina to make a decision. So how is the squad shaping up?

Two goalkeepers are already on the books. Former Juventus keeper Jess Vanstratten is almost certain to start between the sticks, with backup from 32-year-old Scott Higgins (a Queenslander who went from the Roar in 2005 to Falkirk and then Maccabi Herzliya). Despite all the enticing rumours, a young apprentice goalie is a more likely addition to the squad than expensive veteran Mark Bosnich.

Watching Australia play Qatar at Suncorp, Palmer said at least five Socceroos were on his radar. Three of those are defenders: Coyne, Steffanuto and Chipperfield. Of these, the most likely signing is probably 28-year-old Stefanutto, a former Brisbane Striker who is now playing in Norway.

Palmer's other two Socceroo targets are midfielders. Media hype about Jason Culina refuses to die down (he may be signed up by the time you read this) but I would have thought that 29-year-old Mile Sterjovski is a more likely option. Out of favour at Derby County this season, the former Olyroos star needs more playing time if he wants to be part of Pim Verbeek's South African adventure in 2010. The bright lights of Surfers Paradise might be looking quite attractive.

Another midfielder already on the books is 32-year-old Steve Fitzsimmons, making a comeback on the Gold Coast after earlier stints with NZ Knights and Queensland Roar. Sun Jihai, who stars in midfield for the Chinese national team but plays defence for Sheffield United, is also persistently linked with the Coast. His signing would make good business sense for mining magnate Palmer, who will be targeting a Chinese market as he builds the Gold Coast United "brand".

The signing of Smeltz in attack is a major coup. While Culina and Sterjovski can both bang in goals, no specialist attacker had been linked to United since Kanu's name was bandied about in June. Wellington import Felipe was signed for 2008, but now seems to be off the radar. At Suncorp last week, Palmer boasted that he has the signatures of another eight current A-League players, but didn't name them. I hope there are a few more strikers on that list!

Fans are still hoping for a massive marquee signing up front. But if so, what happens to those potential Socceroo marquees above? A Junior Marquee's wages can be $150,000 outside of the salary cap, and Palmer will no doubt be showering his stars with additional perks. The A-League's $1.9 million salary cap looks likely to be tested.