A-League club Gold Coast United are believed to be on the trail of former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires.

The World Cup-winning Frenchman has reportedly been offered a lucrative deal by United owner Clive Palmer according to Neos Kosmos News.

Gold Coast have decided to focus on the Villarreal star after a reported pursuit of Real Madrid striker Raul failed.

Now the club has lost striker Shane Smeltz, they are after a quality player to bring in from abroad for matters both on and off the pitch.