Central Coast Mariners are close to signing former Sheffield United midfielder Nick Travis.

The 22-year old stepped off the plane to play in last night's pre-season friendly against Sydney FC and Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna is confident he will be an important player for his squad.

"It's done and dusted, we're just waiting on his visa. He came on against Sydney and showed a few nice touches, he's a good passer of the ball and he sees things. That's one of the reasons we've signed him," McKinna said.

"He backs himself in the centre of midfield or a wide role. When he was here on trial before he did really well with the ball but needed a bit of work defensively.

"Sheffield had high hopes for him but injury put him back a bit and he didn't really start playing again until December.

"But he's here and I'm hoping that the likes of Nik Mrdja, Matt Simon and Dylan Macallister will thrive on that kind of deft touch through the middle."