Gold Coast United look set to regain the services of star striker Shane Smeltz. The 29-year old New Zealand international has been in Turkey with Ankara-based club Genclerbirligi since August but is on the verge of signing a short-term marquee deal for the remainder of the current A-League season.

United owner Clive Palmer confirmed to the Gold Coast Bulletin that Smeltz, who has netted 21 goals in 27 matches with the sophomore club, will be back shortly.

"Shane will be joining us. We know he hasn't played that much and we don't know what his form is going to be like," he said.

"But if he's anything like the player who left us then we are in for a treat. He's coming back as a marquee signing until the end of the season, which means he'll be here for the finals.

"He wants to come back and we want to have him back."