Shane Smeltz has left Gold Coast United to join rival A-League club Perth Glory.

The New Zealand international came out of contract and was be free to leave United, the club he returned to from a disappointing spell with Turkish club Genclerbirligi earlier in the season.

Smeltz has joined the Western Australian club as their marquee player and his contract is expected to fetch him $1.2million over three years.

The announcement has not yet been officially made but it seems almost certain that the Glory will hold a press conference this week.

The signing is expected to put pressure on the career of Robbie Fowler who may not be needed by Perth if the Smeltz deal goes through.