THE Newcastle Jets are set to confirm the signature of Bernie Ibini on a short-term deal until the end of the A-League season.
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The former Socceroo has been living in Sydney after contract talks with Esteghlal in Iran broke down in January.
The 27-year-old is over an ankle issue which hindered his move and is expected to start training with the Jets on Tuesday.
In a further boost, Welsh international Joe Ledley is reported to be on his way to Newcastle.
Jets coach Carl Robinson confirmed on Friday that he was in talks with both players.
Ledley, 33, has been without a club since a one-month contract with Charlton Athletic expired in January.
The former Derby County and Celtic midfielder had been training with Newport County but was reluctant to sign for the League Two club.
Both players add class and experience and their recruitment is a sign that the Jets haven't given up on this season.
Ibini who has two caps for Australia, helped Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors take out the title in Korea last year.
Perth were also understood to be interested the power-packed winger, but he has opted to reunite with Jet CEO Lawrie McKinna and Robinson.
McKinna gave Ibini his A-League debut as a 17-year-old at the Mariners and he worked under Robinson for 17 months at Vancouver.
The Jets will be Ibini's third A-League club. He scored 20 goals in 77 appearances for the Mariners before joining Sydney where he netted nine goal in 48 games and was a part of the side that went down to Melbourne Victory in the 2014-15 grand final.
Ledley was in his early twenties when he played alongside Robinson for Wales. A left-sided midfielder, Ledley has 77 international caps.
He played in every game when Wales reached the Euro 2016 semi-final but has not featured for his country since June 2018.