Melbourne City have cut ties with Scottish winger Michael O'Halloran, releasing the forward on compassionate grounds after just one A-League appearance.
The 27-year-old was highly rated by City officials who trumpeted his arrival back in June when he signed a two-year deal.
However, O'Halloran failed to settle in Melbourne after a series of injury setbacks, and the club has allowed him to return home on compassionate grounds.
O'Halloran made just three substitute appearances for City, one in the league and two in the FFA Cup.
His departure gives the club additional flexibility in the transfer market this month.
City boss Warren Joyce now has the ability to bring in a new foreigner to bolster the club's attack, should he fit within the salary cap.
However, should the club reach an agreement with wantaway forward Bruno Fornaroli to leave Melbourne, Joyce will be able to move for two players, including a marquee.
News Corp has reported that Perth Glory and City are contemplating a sensational swap deal that could send Irish striker Andy Keogh, who has history working with Joyce, to Melbourne in exchange for Fornaroli.
City have also decided to retain the services of Kearyn Baccus after the former Western Sydney midfielder impressed Joyce on his injury replacement deal.
Baccus, 27, joined on a short-term contract to replace O'Halloran earlier in the season.
He has established himself as a key midfielder, starting every match and making third-highest amount of completed passes in the league this season.
"It's been a big couple of months with the club and now I'm just glad I can officially call Melbourne City home," Baccus said.
"I've wanted to come for a while now and I'm happy to be here now.
"I want to win something and I think with the team that we have that that's achievable this year, with the coach especially, anything is possible. Hopefully we can win some silverware and be there or thereabouts challenging for the title."
His three-and-a-half year deal, one of the longest in the A-League, ties him to City until the end of the 2021/22 season.
City, which have won three of the least four games to sit fourth, face Brisbane at home on Friday night.
Australian Associated Press
