Leading Belgian club Genk zeroes in on former Perth Glory goal keeper Danny VukovicDale Miller
Wednesday, 21 June 2017 10:00AM
Former Perth Glory goal keeper Danny Vukovic is close to securing a move to Europe in a massive reward for a career-best A-League season.
The 32-year-old is understood to be in advanced discussions to join Belgian first-division club Genk in what would be a huge boost to his national selection hopes.
The West Australian understands talks have revolved around a three-year deal.
Vukovic’s stocks have soared following an outstanding domestic season at championship winners Sydney FC.
He was the defensive linchpin of a record-breaking team that conceded only 13 goals all season.
The Sky Blues lost just one game in amassing an A-League record points tally.
The experienced stopper, who played 106 A-League games at Glory over four seasons, is contracted with the Sky Blues for the 2017-18 season.
However, they are not expected to stand in the way of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A Sydney source has confirmed the champions are seeking a transfer fee of close to $1 million. Socceroos keeper Mat Ryan has flown the flag for
Australia in Europe for the past two years, playing firstly for Valencia in La Liga and then on loan to Genk.
Ryan has now agreed to a transfer move to newly promoted English Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion.
Vukovic’s heroics led to his call-up to the 30-man Socceroos squad for the 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Saudi Arabia in Adelaide two weeks ago.
“I want to continue improving as a goalkeeper and take my game to the highest level I can,” Vukovic said last month.
“For now I’m just delighted to be selected in the 30.
“Twelve months ago if you said I’d even be considered for a Socceroos squad I wouldn’t have believed it for a second. And yes, if one day I am able to tell my son I played in the World Cup that would be wonderful.”
His original move to Sydney was to seek family support and medical treatment for his son Harley, who had a liver transplant earlier this year.
Vukovic credited Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold and goalkeeping coach John Crawley for helping rebuild his confidence.
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