Adelaide United coach Aurelio Vidmar is ready to start rebuilding his squad for next season. "Last year we wanted to build a team around Nathan Burns or Bruce Djite, two of the hottest young kids in the country, and after one year they get transferred overseas," he told the Sunday Mail. "Then you're back to the drawing board again, and this year is going to be the same.

"We brought Sasa (Ognenovski) in on a three-year deal and after one year he's got a transfer and off he goes."

At the top of the wish-list is a proven striker. But with two new A-League clubs draining the local talent pool, and a looming recession shrinking the coffers, Vidmar is worried about the club's ability to snare a new star.

"There's not too many Aussies around, so that's almost impossible," he said.

"We've got two foreign places left, whether we use them, we'll know in the next few weeks.

"But very good players will always cost you money - if you are trying to attract the best strikers you have to pay through the nose."