NEWCASTLE Jets owner Con Constantine confirmed he could have a "surprise" by the end of the week amid speculation that the A-League champions are poised to sign a South American as the club's marquee player.
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Jets director of football Remo Nogarotto has returned from Italy and is due to meet with Constantine today.
The news comes as the club announced yesterday the signing of fringe Danish national squad member Jesper Hakansson on a two-year deal.
The Herald understands that the club has held talks with a striker who hails from South America and has represented his country in a friendly this season.
"There could be a surprise at the end of the week," Constantine told The Herald last night.
"We will definitely have a marquee player, 100 per cent.
"First I need to meet with Remo, then speak to [coach] Gary [van Egmond] and [chief executive] John Tsatsimas.
"Remo got back from Italy yesterday. I will meet with him tomorrow and discuss a few issues that are on the agenda and go from there."
Former Brazilian superstar Mario Jardel was the Jets' marquee player last season.
A two-time European Golden Boot winner, Jardel had played just 37 games in five years when he arrived in Newcastle.
He struggled to adapt to the pace of the A-League and was released after failing to make an impact in 14 appearances, 11 off the bench.
Unlike Jardel, the latest South American is believed to be in the prime of his career.
The Jets had been in negotiation with Cameroon striker Brice Severin Bikoko and were waiting for him to gain a visa to visit Australia for a trial.
Nogarotto had also indicated that they were most likely to move Joel Griffiths over to marquee status, but that now appears unlikely.
The reigning A-League player of the year and Golden Boot winner, Griffiths has a year to run on his contract.
He has openly stated his desire to stay in Newcastle long-term, but given the salary cap restraints, the Jets may struggle to keep him.
"Joel and I get on very well," Constantine said.
"I will sit down with him and Remo and take it from there."
In other transfer news, Sydney FC are poised to complete the signing of fullback/midfielder Shannon Cole from Sydney Olympic, but the planned arrival of veteran Dutch winger Bobby Petta from South Australian Super League side Para Hills on a short-term deal could be sabotaged by red tape.
Wellington Phoenix, who play Sydney in the final round of the Pre-Season Cup in Wollongong on Saturday night, have agreed to release fullback Tony Lochhead for a 10-day trial at Premier League side Middlesbrough.
with Michael Cockerill
