Recently released by Sydney FC - for whom he made three senior appearances in five years as understudy to Andrew Redmayne - FTBL understands Pavlesic, 21, is in advanced talks with the A-league champions over becoming their new No.1.

Central Coast turned to former Australian U-17 international Pavlesic after plans to re-sign Mark Birighitti, also a free agent after being released by Dundee United, were shelved following the cut in central distributions to clubs to a paltry $530,000.

The 75 per cent drop in handouts from the Australian Professional Leagues has forced clubs to tighten their belts and drastically rethink their transfer market strategy.

Hence the possibility of Pavlesic, considered surplus to requirements by the Sky Blues, perhaps becoming just the latest in a long line of players let go by other A-League clubs able to reinvent themselves with devastating effect on the Coast.

Terms have yet to be finalised with the keeper whose younger brother Anthony is on the books at Bayern Munich, but it’s believed discussions over a multi-year deal are ongoing.

The Mariners were contacted for comment.