NEW coach Phil Stubbins added a central defender to his shopping list after the Jets agreed on Friday to mutually terminate the contract of teenager Connor Chapman.
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Chapman, 19, had a season remaining at the Jets after signing an extension in December but, as revealed in the Newcastle Herald on Thursday, had been frustrated by a lack of first-team action and was open to a release.
Chief executive Robbie Middleby would not discuss details of Chapman's exit, but the Herald understands the Jets will receive a cut, believed to be 20 per cent, of any future transfer fee.
Touted as a future Socceroo, Chapman is expected to join Melbourne Heart, who have released defenders Patrick Gerhardt, Sam Mitchinson, David Vrankovic and Jeremy Walker.
Confirmation of Chapman's exit came a day after the Jets announced they would not renew the contracts of left stopper Josh Mitchell, striker Joey Gibbs and midfielder James Brown.
The departures leave former Dutch international Kew Jaliens and Taylor Regan as their only centre backs.
Stubbins, who was appointed on Monday, flew to Thailand on Wednesday to finalise his departure from previous club Ayutthaya FC before heading to the United Kingdom this weekend to begin recruiting.
Assistant coach Clayton Zane leaves for England on Wednesday and will meet with contacts and potential players.
Talks with Sydney FC left stopper Matt Jurman had been at an advanced stage but have cooled since Stubbins's appointment.
The Jets hope to retain Joel Griffiths and David Carney, which would leave five places to fill, including four potentially for overseas players.
"Defence is an area that Phil is looking to strengthen, as well as the front third," Middleby said. "With that, he will look at every option. He hasn't said, 'I want a visa player here or domestic player for that spot.'
"We want quality players and quality characters, regardless of their nationality or age."
Stubbins's budget will be heavily affected by the outcome of negotiations with Griffiths and Carney.
Question marks also remain over the future of overseas targets Adam Taggart, Mark Birighitti and Josh Brillante.
Although Mitchell has been released, the Herald understands talks could re-open if he is not signed by another club.
Chapman was a regular under former coach Gary van Egmond after making his A-League debut, aged 17, in February 2012 but spent most of the past season in youth league.
"Connor is a young player who is seeking regular first-team football," Middleby said.
"We were unable to guarantee him that opportunity next season, so we have made the mutual decision for him to be released from his contract to pursue opportunities elsewhere."
