31 Jul Melbourne Victory closing in on Japanese icon Honda

Melbourne Victory are reportedly close to signing Japanese star Keisuke Honda and Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren.

According to Fairfax Media, Honda is on the brink of being secured as the Victory’s marquee signing while reports suggest McLaren will be acquired within the salary cap constraints.

The reigning A-League champions have lost a slew of players since their Grand Final triumph, with the likes of Leroy George, Besart Berisha and Rhys Williams all departing the club.

With the loss of these key players, the additions of Honda and Maclaren will give Kevin Muscat’s squad a much needed injection of star quality ahead of the new season.

Attacking midfielder Honda is currently a free agent after his spell with Mexica club C.F. Pachuca, while Maclaren is currently plying his trade for Bundesliga.2 side SV Darmstadt but was loaned out to Scottish club Hibernian.

Honda, 32, will provide some much needed star dust to the A-League, having previously played for Italian giants AC Milan and Russian powerhouse CSKA Moscow.

The deals could be finalised later this week.