Gorman hinted Central Coast's link with Sheffield United would see a Blades player at Bluetongue sooner rather than later.

"We'd probably look at signing a player [Sheffield] rather than a loan deal. We're just looking at it at the moment to see what suits and fits us," he said.

The Bluetongue empressario described the alliance with the English championship club as "fantastic".

"Alex Tobin [club development officer] will be off to Sao Paulo, Brazil, next week to visit a club that's linked with Sheffield's worldwide network. He'll look at their youth development and hopefully bring back some good ideas for our youth network."

Gorman added that the Mariners would begin the season – which kicks off in mid August – with 22 players rather than the full 23 allowable under A-League rules.

"We'll give a youth league player the opportunity to get a spot in our senior squad," he said.

Gorman also repeated his categoric denial of any contact between Central Coast and fallen Socceroo idol Mark Bosnich.

Bosnich has been touted as a stand-in replacement for the banned Danny Vukovic, but Gorman insists no-one at the club had been in touch with Bosnich.

But he added: "We're always willing to talk with quality players."