Aberdeen are prepared to let Nicolas Milanovic leave this summer, with Western Sydney Wanderers emerging as the frontrunners to re-sign the Australian international.
Milanovic made the move from the A-League club to Pittodrie last summer, with Aberdeen paying around £400,000 to secure the services of Australia’s young player of the year.
Wanderers are keen to bring him back to Australia, though a deal will depend on Aberdeen minimising their financial losses and securing future add-ons.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Western Sydney Wanderers and could return there to regain confidence and rebuild his career after a difficult spell in Scotland.
There is also reported interest from elsewhere in Australia and Asia, with Milanovic understood to be weighing up his options for the future.
Despite holding a long-term contract at Aberdeen, including two years remaining plus a club option of a further 12 months, his future looks increasingly uncertain.
Milanovic arrived at Aberdeen hoping to secure a place in the Socceroos squad for this summer’s World Cup, but his time in Scotland has not gone to plan.
He made 23 appearances, many of them as substitute contributions, and managed just one goal assist throughout his time at the club.
New manager Stephen Robinson’s preferred 3-5-2 formation limited Milanovic’s opportunities considerably, with the system not suited to his strengths.
Robinson acknowledged the player’s misfortune, saying: “He’s probably been a little bit unfortunate with the system, when we’ve gone 3-5-2 or 3-4-3. 3-4-3 suits him more obviously.”
The manager added: “He was a player I hadn’t seen loads of before I came in, but he’s trained well. He’s a really nice kid as well. Really enthusiastic.”
Croatian midfielder Palaversa is another player who has struggled to meet expectations at Aberdeen, with limited game time throughout the season pointing toward a possible summer exit.
Robinson spoke openly about Palaversa’s situation, stating: “Ultimately a lot of these boys have got to be playing regular first team football now.”
He added: “If I can’t guarantee that to them I tell them and I’m honest then I will look at the situation.”
Robinson has been informed that generating funds from within the squad will be necessary if he wants to significantly reshape his Aberdeen side.
Interest has been confirmed in five players signed under former manager Jimmy Thelin, including Milanovic, Marko Lazetic, Palaversa, Kenan Bilalovic, and Alexander Jensen.
Selling those players would free up funds for further recruitment as Robinson looks to build a squad with more of a British core.
He has already moved in that direction, signing Lewis Mayo and Brad Lyons from Kilmarnock and adding Austrian midfielder Alexander Briedl from Linz.
Aberdeen are also reported to be in talks to sign Connor Ronan from Colorado Rapids, a midfielder who previously worked under Robinson during a loan spell from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Another busy transfer window appears certain at Pittodrie as the club continues to reshape its identity under Robinson’s management.
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