Verbeek battling to keep hot property Halloran as six-pack of clubs circle

Adelaide United coach Gertjan Verbeek has reiterated his desire to keep hot-streak attacker Ben Halloran at Coopers Stadium, as six A-League clubs vie for his signature.

Ben Halloran celebrates a goal for Adelaide United Source: AAP

Talks are ongoing between United’s football director Bruce Djite and the off-contract 27-year-old’s agent, but his future remains unclear, with Verbeek admitting it’s likely to boil down to where the most attractive financial package lies.

“If you want to get stronger as a club, of course you must try to keep your best players on board,” the Dutchman said.

“There are not so many good Australian players in his position, so if it’s possible to arrange then we would like him to stay.

“At this stage I have no idea (if he will stay or move on). We have our thoughts and he will have his thoughts and we have to find each other halfway.

“It’s always down to money (in football), and players can sometimes move for a few dollars more.”

Verbeek, 57, is from an era where professionals often spent their entire careers at one club - in his case Dutch outfit Heerenveen.

He even went on to coach them, first as an assistant and then head coach, for a further 15 years at the genesis of his managerial journey.

“That’s history now - players these days come and go far more quickly. That’s the modern game,” a wistful Verbeek added.

Halloran, who joined Adelaide 18 months ago, has netted six goals in 14 appearances for the Reds this season, with three of those coming in the last two games. He also has three assists.

“He’s done very well for us. He’s scoring and developing in the way we want to play football,” Verbeek said.

Whatever happens with Halloran, the Brisbane Roar product isn’t looking to try his luck again overseas where he spent five years in Germany at Fortuna Düsseldorf and then FC Heidenheim before a brief stint in Japan with V.V Nagasaki.

Djite confirmed discussions were continuing, adding: “We obviously rate Ben as a player and have a good relationship with him.

“He’s happy at the club and long may it continue.

“I don’t want to comment too much more than that.”