Rumour Mill: back to future edition

On the road again... Kenwyne Jones, David De Gea and Carlos Tevez. Source: FOX SPORTS

It's back to future for this edition of the Rumour Mill, which features a host of players stating their desire to return home, and a couple of very persistent managers who'll stop at nothing to get the player they want.

Tevez to Boca Juniors

The 28-year-old has previously stated he would like to end his career at former club Boca Juniors, telling Fox Sports US: "My biggest wish is to finish my career in the Boca shirt". Cashed-up City are certainly in the hunt for a possible replacement.

Richard Dunne to QPR

Harry Redknapp will have to compete with MLS super clubs LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls for the signature of the highly-regarded Aston Villa defender. The Republic of Ireland international has been a Redknapp target ever since the manager was at Tottenham Hotspur – proof that when Harry wants his man, he doesn't stop.

Ben Arfa to PSG

We all aim to fulfil our childhood dreams. For Hatem Ben Arfa, that dream is a contract with PSG. Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, Ben Arfa said: "to sign for PSG would be my childhood dream." A return to his home city and to play for the team he supported as a boy appears imminent.

M'Vila to QPR

Although overshadowed by Harry Redknapp's reported poaching of Loic Remy from the grasps of Newcastle United, QPR are also chasing fellow Frenchman Yann M'Vila. M'Vila is the bad boy of French football – the 22-year-old, who has been capped 22 times for Les Bleus, is currently serving a two-year ban for breaking a curfew and going out clubbing while on international duty.

Vegard Forren to Liverpool

Currently on trial at Liverpool, the Norwegian central defender looks to have done enough to earn a contract at Anfield. Despite being pursued by Southampton, Everton and Fulham, The Guardian is reporting that manager Brendan Rodgers is drawing up a longer-term deal expected to be valued at about £4m ($A6m).

Mohamed Diame to Arsenal

The Gunners are the favourites to land the Senegal international, with The Sun reporting that Arsene Wenger has offered £3.5m ($A5.3m). His current club, West Ham United, are reportedly reluctant to offload a player who provides a great portion of the steel in their midfield. However, that is also the reason Wenger wants him. Let the games begin.

Joao Moutinho to Tottenham Hotspur

The Mirror is reporting that Spurs will have another crack at the Porto star in January, only four months after being originally knocked back. Porto, who are reluctant to part with the let go of their exciting midfielder, may not be able to hold on to the 26-year-old as the big guns in the EPL circle. Tottenham are reportedly desperate to recruit Moutinho as they push for a permanent position in the top four.

Kenwyne Jones to Swansea City

The Swans have named the tall Stoke City striker as their number one target in January. Jones is in exceptional form, taking full advantage of an injury to Peter Crouch to prove his credentials. With manager Michael Laudrup looking to bolster his forward line, a move to Swansea is certainly on the cards for Jones.

Carlton Cole to MLS

After losing major marquee signing David Beckham, the LA Galaxy and the rest of the MLS teams are on the hunt for some big-name English signings to boost the profile of the game on the domestic front. TalkSport is reporting that the west Ham United striker would rather a move to the US rather than down the nPower Championship.

Mats Hummels to Manchester City

With defender Vincent Kompany facing a suspension if he loses his red-card appeal, Roberto Mancini has stepped up the search for a quick buy. Borussia Dortmund and regular German international Mats Hummels is firmly in City's sights. However, Hummels is also being watched by cross-town rivals Manchester United, so City must act quickly. 

David De Gea to Barca

With the future of Victor Valdes at Barcelona unstable at best, the Spanish giants have begun the search for possible replacements. De Gea is the first on a shortlist of goalkeeping replacements, featuring Vincente Guaita (Valencia), Marc Ter Stegen (Borussia Moenchengladbach) and Maarten Stekelenburg (Roma).

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Warne lashes Aussie selection policies

No common sense ... Warne can't understand Australia's selection policies. Source: News Limited

Test legend Shane Warne has blasted Australia's selection policies, labelling them as garbage, ridiculous and mind-boggling.

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Warne was left fuming after being told fit-again paceman James Pattinson was off-limits for Melbourne Stars KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final showdown against Perth Scorchers on Wednesday night.

Pattinson made a successful return from a side strain last Saturday in the Victorian Premier League, snaring 2-21 off eight overs.

But Cricket Australia has deemed the 22-year-old is not yet ready for the helter-skelter nature of T20 cricket so early in his comeback.

A fired-up Warne, who was already unimpressed by CA's controversial rotation policy, said there was no logic in keeping Pattinson out of T20 ranks for such a big match.

"Everyone told us we couldn't have him,'' Warne said in Perth on Tuesday.

"We were just trying to find some logical answer or some common sense in between the absolute garbage we were given.

"Anyone with half a brain or common sense will know that playing a semi-final against good opposition where your get four overs is actually better for you than playing eight overs of grade cricket and standing out there for seven hours.

"I mean, hello? Am I the only one who thinks that? Or has common sense gone out the window?

"He's two weeks ahead of schedule, steaming in in the nets and bowling beautifully.

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"To me it's a joke that we haven't got him.

"It's just mind boggling how ridiculous that decision is."

Warne also hit out at Australia's recent practice of rotating players, despite national coach Mickey Arthur launching a passionate defence of the policy.

"I know there has been some injuries, but it looks like strength and conditioning are picking the team, not the selectors,'' Warne said.

"To me the captain should always pick the team, in conjunction (with) the selectors to try and get the best team out on the park for Australia.

"Playing cricket for Australia is something special.

"It's not just rotate around and give a guy a game and see how you go.

"What sort of pressure is that on a particular player knowing he's got one game?

"There's nothing like knowing you've performed well enough that you're going to play the next game. That's when you start performing at your best."

The Stars will be without a host of key players against the Scorchers, with Sri Lankan paceman Lasith Malinga and Australian quartet Clint McKay, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Wade all on international duties.

Malinga snared 6-7 when the teams met last month to help skittle the Scorchers for a record-low 69.

Warne will not be miked up for the re-match at the WACA Ground after his recent expletive-laden altercation with West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels, which earned the Australian spinner a one-match ban.

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Tomic trounces Mayer in straight sets

Cruise control ... Tomic completely outclassed Mayer in the straight-sets romp. Source: News Limited

Bernard Tomic has cruised into the second round of the Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over Argentine Leonardo Mayer on Rod Laver Arena.

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Already nursing a burnt hand from a fireworks accident, Mayer copped a few more welts as the Australian moved him around court with deft shot placement and all aspects of his game firing.

Tomic was irresistible in his 6-3 6-2 6-3 victory as he continued his extraordinary Australian summer and further built his imposing record on home soil.

A service break midway through the first set allowed Tomic to blow through it in 26 minutes, before again taking less than half an hour to seal the second set.

Mayer, the world No.72, offered slightly more resistance in the third before the 20-year-old Gold Coast player broke in the seventh game.

Then he closed it out with a minimum of fuss in one hour and 32 minutes.

Tomic will play German qualifier Daniel Brands in the second round on Thursday, with a likely third round match-up against four-time Australian Open winner Roger Federer should he win there.

"Everyone keeps asking me about playing against Roger," Tomic said.

"I've got to win and he's got to win again and if we do, it will be an interesting match. But it's very difficult. Every player here can play."

Tomic is in rare form, already improving his world ranking to 43 with his maiden tour title victory in the Sydney International last week.

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Heat stun Renegades in semi-final

Stunned ... Tom Cooper inspects his bat after being dismissed. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Comeback kid Luke Pomersbach's unbeaten 112 helped steer Brisbane Heat to a 15-run upset victory over Melbourne Renegades in Tuesday's KFC T20 Big Bash League semi-final at Etihad Stadium.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

15 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. O'Brien	14	7	1	1	200
M. Muralidara...	0	0	0	0	0
A. McDermott	4	0	31	2	7.75

The Heat compiled a formidable total of 3-183 before paceman Ben Cutting claimed 3-24 as the Renegades scored 9-168 in reply.

The Renegades drew a crowd of over 16,000 but, despite finishing on top of the table with a 7-1 win-loss record, they were unable to overcome the fourth-placed Heat.

Captain Aaron Finch admitted Pomersbach's performance had left his bowlers feeling rattled.

Punishing left-hander Pomersbach, who was handed a lifeline at Brisbane by coach Darren Lehmann after a series of alcohol-related incidents in Western Australia, crunched 15 fours and two sixes in his 70-ball knock.

The Heat will not only advance to Saturday's BBL final against Perth Scorchers or Melbourne Stars but they've also qualified for the lucrative T20 Champions League in India in October.

The Renegades began their run-chase well as Finch and Alex Hales smashed 34 from the first three overs. But Cutting claimed 1-1 from the fourth over to apply the brakes, bowling Hales for 20.

Spinner Nathan Hauritz took his first wicket of the tournament when Alex Doolan fell for 13 at 2-63 and the key breakthrough came two deliveries later when Renegades' leading runscorer Finch (23) holed out to deep cover to part-time spinner Chris Lynn (2-15).

Cutting also bowled Tom Cooper (14) while the home side's other main batting hope Ben Rohrer fell to Lynn's bowling at 5-131 after smashing 42 off 22 balls.

Pomersbach's century was only the second by any player this season in the BBL and he's the leading runscorer with 360 runs.

Sri Lanka's spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan conceded 1-35, his most expensive effort this summer for the Renegades, while medium-pacer Sheridan's 0-41 included a 20-run final over of the innings.

After the loss of Peter Forrest (three) in the third over, Pomersbach added 80 for the second wicket with Joe Burns (33) while Dan Christian (11) and Chris Lynn (20 not out) also played handy supporting roles.

Lynn and Pomersbach shared a 45-run stand for the fourth wicket.

"'Pomers' played out of his skin tonight," Finch told Fox Sports. "We had no real answers for him. One guy can beat you.

"It really rattled the team I suppose when someone's going like that."

Pomersbach praised Lehmann for his mentoring role.

"They've shown a lot of faith in me to get me over. Darren Lehmann's been excellent," Pomersbach said.

"They've taken a bit of a risk but I know where I'm at in my career now and my life and everything's going well."

Cutting, who made his ODI debut last week for Australia, said the Brisbane side had relied on a backs-to-the-wall approach.

"That's the Queensland way. That's when we play our best in any sport," he said.

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Gajdosova joins Open exodus

Campaign over ... Gajdosova failed to take her opportunities against Wickmayer. Source: AP

Just three Australians remain in the Australian Open after Jarmila Gajdosova joined the ranks of the fallen with a first-round loss to No.20 seed Yanina Wickmayer at Melbourne Park.

Gajdosova was defeated comfortably 6-1 7-5 in one hour and 20 minutes on Rod Laver Arena, failing to take several opportunities in the second set to climb back into the match.

The 26-year-old Australian had a set point in the second set to take the match to a decider, but couldn't convert it.

Wickmayer then broke serve immediately afterwards and closed out the set with little fuss.

Gajdosova had twice broken Wickmayer's serve in the second set, but was unable to take advantage as the Belgian bounced back each time.

Wickmayer, 23, will play Slovakia's Jana Cepelova in the second round.

Gajdosova's exit means that of the 16 Australians in the main draw of men's and women's singles, only three remain.

Samantha Stosur is the sole survivor in the women's draw, while Bernard Tomic and James Duckworth remain in the men's singles.

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Pomersbach on track for Australia?

Sensational ... Pomersbach was unstoppable at Etihad Stadium. Source: Stuart Walmsley / News Limited

Luke Pomersbach played the innings of a lifetime at Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night to put Brisbane Heat into the KFC T20 Big Bash League final and himself into contention for a national call-up.

T20 - Etihad Stadium

15 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Renegades 1st Innings

A. O'Brien	14	7	1	1	200
M. Muralidara...	0	0	0	0	0
A. McDermott	4	0	31	2	7.75

Up against the heavily-favoured Melbourne Renegades, Pomersbach smashed an incredible 112 off just 70 balls, including 15 fours and two sixes, to help the Heat post 3-183. The Renegades fell 15 runs short in their run chase.

Pomersbach was handed a lifeline by Brisbane coach Darren Lehmann after a series of off-field indiscretions with Western Australia, and a much-publicised arrest in India while playing in the IPL.

The talented 28-year-old has taken the opportunity with both hands, and is now the leading run-scorer in the competition with 360 runs at an average of 45 and strike-rate of 146.34.

With three Twenty20 games coming up for Australia this summer - two against Sri Lanka and one against West Indies - Pomersbach's name is likely to come up in national selection discussions.

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Should Luke Pomersbach be rewarded with a call-up to Australia's T20 side? Have your say by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page.

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Australia's selectors have already shown a desire to reward BBL form, having called-up in-form players Aaron Finch, Ben Cutting and Kane Richardson for the start of the one-day series against Sri Lanka.

Pomersbach has put forward a strong case for his selection, especially with his last two innings' - last weekend he hit 82 off 42 balls in the do-or-die clash with Hobart Hurricanes.

The left-hander famously made his one - and so far, only - international appearance in a T20 game in Perth, when he was plucked from the crowd and thrust into the team at the last minute after Brad Hodge pulled out with injury.

If Pomersbach makes a second appearance for Australia, it's likely to be a much more conventiontional call-up.

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Italy pledges action on soccer racism

ITALIAN interior minister Annamaria Cancellieri is calling for "more incisive" action to be taken to end the abuse of non-white players by racist fans.

Cancellieri was speaking after AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng last week stormed off the pitch in response to racist chants by a small group of fans during a friendly against fourth division side Pro Patria.

He was followed by his teammates, prompting a global outpouring of applause for the German-born Ghanaian international's stance against racist supporters.

Police have identified six Pro Patria supporters suspected of racist chanting and they are facing a five-year stadium ban.

One of the six suspects was identified by police from television pictures as the Councillor for Sports and Youth Policy of the City of Corbetta near Milan, Riccardo Grittini.

All six were card-carrying fans of Pro Patria, one of whom worked in one of the club's bars.

According to ANSA news agency, all six have admitted being part of the crowd which verbally abused Milan's players but claim not to have uniquely targeted Milan's non-white players.

Sepp Blatter, the president of world football's governing body FIFA, hit out at Boateng's decision to force the suspension of last week's friendly, setting him at odds with AC Milan owner-president, Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Both FIFA and UEFA have previously warned against players walking off the pitch in protest, and Blatter said: "Walk off? No. I don't think that is the solution."

Cancellieri said Boateng's stance was a "nice gesture" but told Radio 24 Monday that a "more comprehensive strategy" needed to be put in place to avoid games being decided by "a minority of racists".

"This episode drew attention to a phenomenon which is unfortunately widespread and, as such, we have to be more serious about dealing with it," Cancellieri said.

At Rome's Olympic Stadium on Saturday some sections of Lazio's crowd were heard making monkey noises at Cagliari's Colombian striker Victor Ibarbo. The majority of the home crowd jeered and whistled to drown out the racists.

The regulations regarding the suspension of matches in such circumstances remain unclear and is a potential minefield for the football authorities, who would either have to replay matches or award victory to the team being victimised.

Cancellieri suggested that if "only a small group of fans" were involved in racist chanting games "should not be suspended".

"Fans involved in racist chanting should be hit very hard and must be removed from the stadium," she said.

"If, however, the phenomenon is more widespread the game must be suspended by whoever is responsible for keeping public order."

There have been suggestions that police, who already attend football games in Italy's Serie A, could play a bigger role in deciding whether games are suspended or not due to racist chanting.

Cancellieri said a meeting would be held between Italy's chief of police and the president of Serie A later this week to discuss ways to eliminate abusive fans from matches without stoppages.

Berlusconi, meanwhile, said he disagreed with Blatter's appraisal of Boateng's gesture after vowing last week that his players would do the same again in a similar situation and calling the scenes at Pro Patria "disgraceful".

"I am of the opposite opinion. I congratulated the players for their courage in standing up to this abhorrent incident," he told Tgcom24, which is part of his Mediaset group.

"Football reflects society and should be something positive, teams should shown an example to the rest of society. What happened in the stadium should not be dismissed, it has done a lot of damage including to the reputation of Italy."

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All-rounders vie for vacant Test spot

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Battle grounds ... Dan Christian had a taste of Test cricket against India. Source: Gregg Porteous / News Limited

For Shane Watson the decision to take a break from bowling would have been heartbreaking.

For the likes of Dan Christian and Moises Henriques it's provided fresh hope of a maiden Test cap.

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Christian and Henriques, who have both played Twenty20 and one-day cricket for Australia, are among the list of all-rounders who have come into contention for the Ashes after Watson elected to focus on batting.

National selectors are expected to field a spinning all-rounder in the upcoming Test tour of India.

However, many pundits have called for a medium-pace all-round option for the Ashes battle that follows, with the feats of Andrew Flintoff in 2005 still fresh in their minds.

(2012/13 Sheffield Shield statistics so far) 

• Moises Henriques (314 runs at 78.5; 13 wickets at 17)

• Dan Christian (173 at 21.62; 9 wickets at 41.44)

• John Hastings (200 runs at 33.33; 22 wickets at 19.09)

• Luke Butterworth (150 runs at 30; 25 wickets at 17.72)

• James Faulkner (169 runs at 28.16; 21 wickets at 21)

• James Hopes (126 runs at 25.2; 10 wickets at 17.50)

Mitchell Johnson performed the role at the SCG Test, but some have questioned whether his batting will hold up against a more fearsome bowling attack.

It leaves an open field, even more so given Andrew McDonald's injury concerns.

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Henriques felt he was more mentally ready for the rigours of international cricket, but didn't want to get picked on potential.

"Whether you're a bowling allrounder or a batting all-rounder, you can't just be in the team as a bits-and-pieces player,'' the 25-year-old said.

"You've got to be good enough to be picked in the team as a bowler and a batter.

"I'm hoping, with some better performances after Christmas, that I can prove that.''

Christian, 12th man in two Tests last summer when Watson was sidelined, admitted he was a "bit disappointed'' to be left out of Australia's squad for the one-day series.

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However the 29-year-old was upbeat there would not be the same dearth of seam all-rounders in future Australian Test teams.

"If they are looking for that all-rounder position, I'd love to do it if I've got the runs and wickets behind me,'' Christian said.

"Personally I don't think a spinning allrounder is the best way to go. You need a seam all-rounder and there's quite a few of those around the country.''

Henriques impressed with a tally of 314 runs and 13 wickets from four matches in the first half of the Sheffield Shield season, but didn't want selectors to call him until he had a mountain of both.

"I'm 25 and happy to keep learning my craft ... as much as I'd love to play for Australia as soon as possible, I'm not in any great rush to get there,'' he said.

"If I do get there, I want to make sure I'm playing as well as I can.''

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Stars get home despite Gayle heroics

Relief ... the Stars snuck home by 13 runs. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Melbourne Stars, the KFC T20 Big Bash League's highest-profile team, have survived a scare to beat Sydney Thunder by 13 runs and qualify for next week's semi-finals, allowing suspended skipper Shane Warne to breathe a sigh of relief.

T20 - Melbourne Cricket Ground

8 January 2013 - Day 1, Session 2

Thunder 1st Innings

G. Sandhu	6	6	1	0	100
D. Nannes	0	0	0	0	0
J. Faulkner	3.4	0	24	3	6.55

Warne was a nervous spectator after missing the game following his physical confrontation with Melbourne Renegades' batsman Marlon Samuels in Sunday's Melbourne derby.

The Stars made 8-145, which wasn't a massive total but the Thunder completed a winless season with a score of 132 all out after losing their last eight wickets for 41 runs in 45 balls.

The Stars now boast a 5-3 record from their eight regular-season games.

The Thunder needed 18 runs off the last over with tailenders Gurinder Sandhu and Luke Doran at the crease but both were dismissed by James Faulkner, who finished with 3-24.

Thunder captain Chris Gayle was named man of the match after smashing 65 off 43 deliveries and setting a new record for the current BBL season by reaching his 50 off 25 balls.

Brad Hodge (39) and David Hussey (32) added 58 for the third wicket for the Stars but their dismissals in consecutive overs hurt the home side's hopes of a big total.

Nineteen-year-old paceman Sandhu (2-33) and spinner Gayle (2-5) claimed two wickets each for the Thunder.

		P	W	L	NR	T	Pts	NNR
1	Renegades	7	6	1	0	0	12	0.681
2	Stars	8	5	3	0	0	10	0.246
3	Scorchers	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.632
4	Strikers	7	4	3	0	0	8	0.53
5	Hurricanes	7	4	3	0	0	8	-0.287
6	Heat	7	3	4	0	0	6	0.129
7	Sixers	7	3	4	0	0	6	-0.221
8	Thunder	8	0	8	0	0	0	-1.36

Gayle began strongly in reply and was missed on 34 as Cameron White misjudged a high ball at cover.

The big left-hander had scored only 72 runs at an average of 12.00 earlier in the tournament but finally found form as he bludgeoned four sixes and six fours despite an absence of footwork.

Matt Prior contributed only seven in a 43-run stand for the second wicket with Gayle before Prior was caught by a diving Jackson Bird at deep mid-wicket at 2-62.

The Thunder were cruising at 2-91 but stumbled as they quickly lost Gayle, Usman Khawaja (23), Sean Abbott (three) and Ryan Carters (two).

Mark Cosgrove (eight) and Adam Zampa (eight) continued the procession of wickets.

England international Dimitri Mascarenhas took 2-27 on debut for the Stars, replacing Sri Lanka's Lasith Malinga who has been called up for national duty in the one-day series against Australia.

"The key part of the game was when I was batting and got out against Mascarenhas. From there it just faltered," Gayle said.

Mascarenhas said it was an amazing feeling to dismiss Gayle caught at deep mid-wicket.

"It's great to get an opportunity and to get a couple of wickets is amazing," he said.

Khawaja described the Thunder's season as hugely disappointing.

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Roar sign Socceroo Jade North

Roaring home ... Brisbane Roar secure Jade North's signature. Source: AAP

Defending A-League champions Brisbane have signed experienced Japanese-based Socceroo Jade North.

Roar officials confirmed they'd secured North's signature on a three and a half year deal on Tuesday night.

		P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Central Coast	15	10	3	2	15	33
2	Adelaide	15	9	2	4	7	29
3	Victory	15	8	2	5	0	26
4	Western Sydney	15	7	2	6	4	23
5	Perth	15	5	4	6	2	19
6	Heart	15	5	3	7	-2	18
7	Brisbane	15	5	2	8	0	17
8	Newcastle	15	5	2	8	-9	17
9	Wellington	15	4	4	7	-3	16
10	Sydney	15	4	2	9	-14	14

He will arrive with his wife and young children within the next week.

Brisbane managed to do what both Ange Postecoglou (Melbourne Victory) and Frank Farina (Sydney FC) failed to recently by securing North's services.

North, who has been playing for Consadole Sappora in the Japanese J League, has been signed as a defender as the two-time champions undergo a shake up under new mentor Mike Mulvey who recently replaced head coach Rado Vidosic.

"Jade has an excellent footballing pedigree and will bring a great deal of experience and knowledge to our squad,'' Mulvey said.

"He is a proven winner and has a great appetite for future success.''

At the time of the A-League approaches, North was encourage by national coach Holger Osieck to remain in Japan.

However his club Sappora are heading for relegation and he was keen to come home.

Having started his professional career at the Brisbane Strikers in the National Soccer League in 1998, North said he was excited to be returning to where it all started.

"I'm looking forward to putting one foot forward and contributing to the legacy Brisbane Roar has created over the past two seasons and doing all I can to help add to the trophy cabinet,'' North said.

"For me it's exciting to know I will be playing in front of family and friends, but most importantly for the city which groomed me as a player.''

After confirming they had already released attacking midfielder Rocky Visconte, who has been linked to the Western Sydney Wanderers, it's tipped the Roar will also lose lightning quick attacker Nick Fitzgerald to the Central Coast Mariners during the A-League's transfer window.

Brisbane have mid-field issues which could also see the popular Erik Paartalu closely examining his options in the next few weeks.

Brisbane can squeeze North under its salary cap as a marquee player with financial assistance from the FFA.

Winners of the last two grand finals, Brisbane have been struggling for wins this season.

They dumped Vidosic as coach late last month appointing him technical director and bringing in hired gun Mulvey.

They staged a mini comeback with back-to-back wins over Adelaide United and Wellington Phoenix but the wheels came off again with a 3-2 loss to Melbourne Heart on Sunday.

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