Football
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Former Temperley midfielder Fernando Brandan set to join Melbourne City

The same scouts that unearthed Bruno Fornaroli hope they've found the next A-League sensation in Argentinian Fernando Brandan.

Brandan is set to sign for Melbourne City in the next week and will make his debut for John van `t Schip's side on Tuesday night in a trial match with Melbourne Knights.

The 26-year-old midfielder will join City from Argentine club Temperley, growing City's creative options.

Van `t Schip could use Brandan as a No.10, taking the role of outgoing midfielder Aaron Mooy, or as a winger.

There are vacancies in both positions, given the departure of Harry Novillo at season's end along with fellow wide options Marc Marino, Wade Dekker and Michael Zullo.

New signing Bruce Kamau, nearly fit-again Corey Gameiro and youngster Daniel Arzani could also play as wide men in the upcoming campaign.

Like Fornaroli, Brandan is a diminutive talent, standing just 1.68 metres tall.

Hopes are high he can forge a similar path in the A-League after three years among the top levels of Argentinian football.

Brandan has been encouraged to take a chance in Australia after failing to play consistent first-team football.

The onus will be on City to help Brandan establish a strong understanding with Fornaroli, despite the two hailing from rival nations.

He could make a senior debut on August 2 when City travel to Perth to play Floreat Athena in the FFA Cup.

Brandan will be City's seventh signing of the transfer window, joining Manny Muscat, Luke Brattan, Neil Kilkenny, Ruon Tongyik, Kamau and Arzani at the City Football Academy.

He fills City's third international slot -- after Danish gloveman Thomas Sorensen and Fornaroli -- meaning the club can still sign two foreign talents.

Last season's semifinalists are also expected to sign Socceroos legend Tim Cahill on a guest player deal in the coming days.

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