Hajduk Split’s Skoko tipped to join Melbourne Heart

Hajduk Split midfielder Josip Skoko has been linked to new A-League club Melbourne Heart.

The former Australian international is coming to the end of his contract at the Croatian club and has eyed a return to Australia, with Melbourne seeming a likely destination.

"I've always said after I've finished my career in Europe I'd like to come back and live in Australia," the 33-year old said.

"My contract expires at the end of this season and I'll most likely be moving back down there with the family.

“It all depends on how things come together. I've had some contact with the Heart and I'm very open to suggestions."

Heart chief executive Scott Munn confirmed the club was interested in Skoko and revealed that head coach John van ‘t Schip would travel to Croatia to watch the ex-Wigan man in action.

“He's going to go and watch him play a few times in Croatia and from there he will make a decision," Munn said.

"It would be fantastic (to sign Skoko), but it's one of the reasons we've employed John."

The Heart have already completed the signings of Adelaide United midfielder Kristian Sarkies and Newcastle Jets captain Matt Thompson and have made their intentions clear with their recruiting at this early stage.