The two groups will visit the Mariners' Gosford base in the coming weeks after reviewing a detailed Information Memorandum on the club and their Centre of Excellence.

The talks have renewed hopes that the cash-strapped club can broaden their capital base with a much needed financial boost.

But the club admitted it was also looking for cash from locals, Australian business or internationally.

It is also considering offering shares for sale to the public in a bid to raise cash.

"The Mariners Board formally invite further expressions of interest by investors locally, nationally and globally...as well as the option of an initial public offering (IPO) which would see the Mariners as the first publicly owned [A-League] football club in Australia," said a club statement.

The dash for cash comes as a $3m payment was reportedly required to secure land at their Centre of Excellence in Tuggerah where the club has ambitious plans to expand with a hotel and aquatic centre.

Despite their onfield success, the Mariners have been troubled by cashflow issues for more than a year but staved off the worst of the problems with sales of key players like Tom Rogic, Matt Simon and Mustafa Amini.

They have always downplayed the issue but today's announcement comes as the club is flying high in the A-League and looking at its best for prospective investors.

"This is an exciting juncture in the club's short, yet proud history," insisted Mariners chairman Peter Turnbull.

"We are currently top of the Hyundai A-League and National Youth League and we are the reigning Premiers in each competition.

"The Mariners will this year compete in the Asian Champions League for the third time and is on track to do so again in 2014.

"The on-field success is underpinned by the club's unique, innovative Centre of Excellence complex, which is well underway.

"The Tuggerah facility is now home to the Mariners' entire football department and has a thriving community facility in the Soccer5s complex, which is open and doing an excellent trade."

When completed, the Centre of Excellence will include a 130-room hotel, licensed clubhouse, office tower and aquatic centre, in addition to the training facilities, football administration block and leisure amenities launched last year.

Should the deal ultimately come off, the Mariners will join Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC as clubs either partly or fully owned by overseas investors.