Newcastle Jets CEO John Tsatsimas confirmed the pair were on the club's radar but added: “No formal approach has been made although they do play in an area the club hopes to strengthen.”

This should be make for an interesting sub-text to this Friday night's round 21 clash between the two sides in Newcastle. Harnwell, 30, could play his final game in a purple shirt and will be keen to impress his potential new club.

Former Young Socceroo Tarka, 24, meanwhile is out for the season but the highly rated ex-Nottingham Forest defender has long been thought of as one of the best prospects in the Australian game.

Tsatsimas wasn't able to comment on the future of central defender Andrew Durante – a player Harnwell or Tarka would potentially replace - however he stressed the club would be keen to keep such a "quality player.

Durante's representatives said they were still in negotiations with Wellington Phoenix and no deal has been signed.

In other transfer news, Jamie Coyne, whose form which has seen him elevated to the Socceroo train on squad, could also be on the move across the Nullabor.

Both Adelaide and Melbourne Victory are said to be interested in the 27-year-old Glory defender, who captained Perth against Adelaide on Sunday.

And across the Tasman, defenders Steven Old and Steven O'Dor are struggling to hold onto their spots at Wellington Phoenix as coach Ricki Herbert looks to reshape his defensive stocks ahead of season 2008/9.