In one of the coups of the season, Melbourne City are set to sign 31-year-old striker Ross McCormack on loan from Aston Villa. 

Villa manager Steve Bruce revealed the loan deal was set to go ahead after a tumultuous recent relationship with the Scottish forward.

Bruce had tried to sell McCormack – with Sunderland AFC one of the rumoured candidates for the Scot’s signature - but there were no concrete offers forthcoming, partially due to McCormack's large wage demands - so a surprise move to Melbourne eventuated.

Melbourne City are in the hunt for a striker as an injury replacement for Bruno Fornaroli. Stefan Mauk played up front in City’s most recent fixture, however McCormack adds another dimension for any A-League side.

The former Fulham, Leeds United and Cardiff City striker is strong despite his small stature and has a notoriously powerful free kick, which he utilised to devastating effect during his time at Craven Cottage.

In truth, however, the goals have dried up for the Scottish international since his move to Villa Park. He’s notched up only three strikes in 20 matches for Villa, and a loan move to Nottingham Forest only returned one in seven.

In desperate need of a confidence boost, the A-League could provide a fitting return to form, and perhaps the Scot is hoping his absence may make Bruce’s heart grow fonder, or at least, secure him a move away from Villa Park.

Tempers came to a crescendo between the two in January, as Bruce publically lambasted the player for failing to come to training because ‘his gates were stuck’.

Whether a permanent move down under is a possibility appears unlikely, however with a pedigree like McCormack’s, there is every chance he’ll be a great success for City, and the A-League.