Tony Popovic reportedly wants Ruben Zadkovich at the Wanderers. Source: Getty Images
WESTERN Sydney Wanderers' blueprint for next season includes a bold play for Newcastle Jets midfielder Ruben Zadkovich, identified as a key recruit for the high-tempo style preached by coach Tony Popovic.
It is believed the Wanderers boss wants to add the former Sydney FC man to his roster for 2013-14, adding to competition in midfield alongside the likes of Aaron Mooy, Mateo Poljak and Shinji Ono.
Zadkovich, 26, is off contract this season, one of nine at Newcastle allowed to talk to other clubs, and has been captain in the absence of the injured Jobe Wheelhouse.
But the Wanderers' success in their first season has given them an instant allure in the transfer market, and a number of players have noted the fitness work undertaken by both Popovic and conditioning coach Adam Waterson and the beneficial effect on the Wanderers players.
Zadkovich was close to, and highly complimentary of, Waterson when they were both at the Jets last season.
From Fairfield, he suits the Wanderers' desire to maintain a core of genuinely local players to maintain their link with the community.
Zadkovich spent two years with Sydney FC from 2006-2008, overlapping for one season with Popovic, before securing a deal with then EPL club Derby County.
But injury ruined his time in England and the Jets offered him a chance to resurrect his career upon returning to Australia in 2010.
Though characterised as a midfield hardman, not least at times by himself, Zadkovich has shown enough drive and passing range to impress several coaches, including former Socceroos boss Pim Verbeek who gave him a single cap against China in June 2008.
Later that year he was in the Olyroos team that played Argentina, Serbia and Ivory Coast in Beijing.
Popovic is still seeking a striker for next season, though it's believed the Wanderers board would be open to funding a deal for a player during the current transfer window if it included next season as well.
Though Dino Kresinger scored his first goal in the 6-1 drubbing of Adelaide before Christmas, Popovic is keen to add to his striking stocks with just Joey Gibbs as competition for Kresinger at No 9.
Re-signing of several other players is also imminent, with German fullback Jerome Polenz among those in talks about a new deal.
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