According to Queensland’s Courier Mail, the former Socceroo defender is close to re-joining former mentor Frank Farina at the Roar. Laybutt would like to return to Australia, after most recently playing his club football in Belgium. Perth Glory is also in the running, but Laybutt’s preference is to stay closer to family in the eastern states.

"I've had a chat with Steve and when someone like that is expressing an interest to come back to Australia, you've got to talk to him,” said Farina.

"There comes a time when some players would like to get back home. He's done pretty well in Belgium, he's a good player and he's still only 29."

The Roar are also close to finalising terms with Brazilian attacking midfielder Marcinho. Due to arrive this week, Marcinho will debut in the A-League with big wraps - he impressed Roar officials during trials, in which he scored a spectacular goal. The club has agreed terms with him but are still finalising the paperwork. Under A-League rules, clubs are limited to signing four foreign players; and the Roar have four on their books already. Korea-born midfielder Hyuk-Su Seo however, is close to gaining permanent Australian residency which will free up a spot for Marcinho.