OPERATIONS manager Joel Griffiths believes the Jets are a little light on firepower and is compiling a shortlist of potential targets to present to the new coach.
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Valentino Yuel has impressed in pre-season and is almost certain to be added to a strike force headed by proven goal-scorer Roy O'Donovan, Olyroos playmaker Ramy Najjarine and and Kosta Petratos.
Wantaway striker Bernie Ibini is expected to be on deck at training on Thursday.
The Jets have refused to release Ibini from the final year of his contract, which would open the door for the 28-year-old to reunite with coach Carl Robinson, who left the Jets two months again and joined Western Sydney.
Ibini had been in talks with a club in Thailand and may still move overseas during the January transfer window.
The Jets have at least two places on the roster and chunk of the salary cap available.
"We are looking for players higher up the park," Griffiths said. "I would like to have those players fill the foreign spots. It gives us a little bit more firepower and takes a little bit of pressure off Roy.
"There are guys who can do jobs. Ramy has impressed me. Val has impressed me probably the most. How good would it be to have some options that are different to what we have?
"I feel we are a little bit light on, especially if Bernie goes overseas. If Bernie stays, great.
"There are no shortage of players wanting to come to Australia. It's about finding the right ones and doing the due diligence.Is he mobile, can he defend in a certain way, can he press,does he speak English, what's the visa situation ... We are communicating with the potential coaches regularly and keeping them informed."
A coach is expected to be appointed once the ownership is finalised in mid December.
It's unclear if Ibini intends to play out the season or is fulfilling contract obligations before a move overseas.
"He has his reasons [for wanting to leave]. We have our reasons for not releasing him," Griffiths said. "We have to look after the club. It is about principle now. Everyone is looking at how we handle this situation - not just the players in our team, but players who are out on loan and payers at other clubs. It's very important that we stand our ground.
"All Bernie needs to do is play well for the Jets and he can leave at the end of the season."
The Jets are awaiting a decision from Shewsbury Town on whether they intend to buy out the final six months of Matt Millar's contract.
The right wingback joined the League One club on-loan in October and has expressed a desire to stay.
Under the loan agreement, Shewsbury Town had until December 1 to take up the option. Millar's loan deal ends on December 31.
He has scored two goals in six appearances. Complicating the matter, Shrewsbury Town appointed a new manager, Steve Cotterill, last Friday.
"I sent them an email today asking them to clarify the situation and reminding them of the loan agreement," McKinna said.
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