Melbourne Victory has lured back one of its most promising talents, signing former defender Adrian Leijer for three years from English Premier League side Fulham. Melbourne Victory agreed to terms with Fulham overnight, allowing Leijer to immediately depart for Townsville, where he could be a late inclusion for the club's match against North Queensland Fury tomorrow.

The 23-year-old was part of Melbourne Victory's inaugural squad and played a key role in the club's first Premiership and Championship in 2006/07 before Fulham came knocking with a three-year deal at the end of that season.

Leijer's opportunities at Fulham were limited and while he made his international debut for Australia in a friendly against Singapore last year, selection for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games ultimately hampered his preparations for the Cottagers.

The former Hyundai A-League Young Player of the Year rejoined Fulham after a brief loan at Norwich City earlier this year but has opted to return to his hometown and add to the 41 matches he played for Melbourne Victory in the first its first two seasons.