Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com today the Bluetongue boss said he did not envisage Juninho heading north to join the Mariners and becoming their marquee star.

Top strikers cost big bucks with the Central Coast unlikely to splash out on anyone other than an out and out forward.

McKinna said: “We made a big offer for a goalscorer (Aloisi). We don’t have an unlimited budget although there’s no doubting Juninho’s ability. He’s a fantastic player.”

Aloisi’s departure from the Coast has left a hole in the squad but it hasn’t left McKinna bitter. He said: “Look, John Aloisi was fantastic on and off the park for this club. He scored goals and helped us to the premiership and to a grand final.

“I think players know that we are a good, friendly club and to have someone like John Aloisi speaking highly of us and of his time here is a great advert for us. And yes, it can’t do any harm in terms of players considering whether or not to join our club.”