A-League new boys Western United target Pain and Georgievski

A-League newbies Western United are stepping up their recruitment drive with Central Coast Mariners winger Connor Pain and Newcastle Jets full-back Daniel Georgievski both on their wanted list.

Source: Getty Images

Of the off-contract pair, Pain - who has previously been linked with a move to England’s lower leagues - is most likely to head to Victoria, with Western Sydney Wanderers also in the hunt for Georgievski, as a replacement for Western United-bound Socceroos defender Josh Risdon.

Former Melbourne Victory flier Pain is looking for a fresh start after nearly three seasons with the under-performing Mariners, and with no contract extension offer currently on the table is likely to depart Gosford at season’s end.

Hong Kong-born Pain has managed nine goals in 62 appearances for Mariners, whom he joined from Victory in 2016, and may be joined at Western United by current teammate Johnathan Aspropotamitis, who is also being courted by the new entity.

Pain has been an ever-present for the Mariners, with four goals in 20 appearances this season.

Australian-Macedonian Georgievski, 31, has missed just two A-League games for the Jets - and has made 38 appearances since signing from Melbourne Victory in 2017.

The Jets and Mariners were both contacted for comment.