AMBITIOUS newcomers Gold Coast United are ready to launch a double swoop for Socceroos duo Jason Culina and Mile Sterjovski.

Culina, 28, who is out of contract with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven next June, is discussing a marquee deal with the club and met Gold Coast officials last weekend.

Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg declined to confirm the talks, saying: "All I can say is I am flattered if a player of his quality is being linked to our club."

Culina's close friend and Socceroos teammate Sterjovski may follow him to the Gold Coast if he can negotiate an early release from his contract with English Championship side Derby County.

Another player rumoured to be headed north is Central Coast striker Sasho Petrovski, who has flagged his interest in being sounded out by the incoming clubs. However, the Mariners are desperately keen to keep a hold of the former Sydney FC frontman. Manager Lawrie McKinna denied speculation Petrovski had rejected the club's first offer, saying no deal had materialised as yet.

"He's wanted by the club and he wants to stay at the club. He's doing very well and is having his best season for probably quite a while," McKinna said yesterday. "He's been very consistent. We're keen to keep him and [executive chairman] Lyall Gorman's talking with his agent now."

The Mariners could also face competition from the new Queensland clubs for their young captain Alex Wilkinson, out of contract in eight months and reported to have been sounded out about a move.

One player on the verge of joining the Central Coast line-up is experienced Italian defender Andrea Merenda, with the coach hoping to seal the deal before Sunday's home game against Wellington Phoenix.