It’s understood that the 31-year-old Brazilian playmaker has been approached about a loan deal to Perth during the US off-season as Glory seek to revitalise a season that's in freefall after four straight losses. 

The short-term deal would be similar to the one Fred signed with Wellington Phoenix at the conclusion of the 2008 MLS season. However, that move was cut short due to the sudden death of the player’s father and he returned to Brazil in December of that year.

The former A-League player of the year and championship winner with Victory left the A-League after one stunning season to join MLS side DC United in 2007, going on to make over 70 appearances for Danny Allsopp’s current club.

Fred was acquired by Eastern Conference expansion club Philadelphia Union in a pre-draft deal last January and has started 23 games this season. The team currently sit second bottom of their conference and have been eliminated from play-off contention.  

Philadelphia’s final game of the regular season is away to Colombus Crew on October 24, after which time the Brazilian star could be available for  a loan deal back to Australia.

In other news ...

*Brisbane Roar’s attacking midfielder Mitch Nichols is attracting plenty of attention from at least four A-League clubs including Sydney FC, Heart, Perth Glory and Gold Coast United. The 21-year-old Olyroo is in the final year of his contract at Suncorp with his club also keen to hold onto him.

*Central Coast’s Brad Porter picked up a knee injury in an intra-club practice match in Gosford today and was treated by the club's medical staff after the game.