Western Sydney Wanderers appear increasingly likely to overhaul their squad as new coach Josep Gombau continues to target signing rival players, including a former face of the inaugural Wanderers.
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Only a week after notifying Sydney FC of their intentions to sign as many as three starting defenders, Gombau's former club Adelaide United are the next club to be notified their players are wanted by the Wanderers.
Fairfax Media understands the Wanderers sent a notice to Adelaide early this week confirming their desire to approach up to four Reds players who come off contract at the end of the season, including Australian international and former Western Sydney fullback Tarek Elrich.
Elrich, who was one of the first players signed by the Wanderers, is firming as the man most likely to receive a transfer offer from the club where he could make a shock return after a frustrating single-season with his hometown team.
The 30-year-old was the first face of the Wanderers as they were unveiled in 2012 but endured a frustrating spell, limited to only 11 appearances, most of which as a substitute. However, Western Sydney are looking to bring Elrich back home where he could be reunited with Gombau, who has a close bond with the defender.
Elrich has credited Gombau as the coach who turned his career around and transformed him into an international player. Elrich was one of three players at Adelaide United who requested a release clause put in their contracts that would provide them with the option to leave the club as free agents should Gombau leave Adelaide. It's understood none of the players exercised that option in 2015.
On the comeback from a torn ACL, Elrich is yet to play for Adelaide this season but is close to making his season debut early in the new year.
Among the other Adelaide United players on Wanderers' radar is young central defender Jordan Elsey, who has been an ever-present feature in the Reds side this season. The 23-year-old played under Gombau in the 2013-14 season but is understood to already be in talks to re-sign with the club.
