A-League soccer: Jets hopes fade as Korean club sets sights on Brazilian Daniel Penha

Penha's loan deal in Newcastle expires this month.

Sydney had emerged as the Jets' main rival for Penha's services and were understood to have tabled a deal worth $800,000 a season.

Penha's parent club Atletico Mineiro are seeking a $800,000 transfer fee for their former B squad member and reports his week have linked the midfielder to a full-time move to K-League club Daegu FC.

Daegu, who have three Brazilians on their roster, finished third last season, but have slipped to sixth midway through the current campaign. The Korean transfer window opens on Monday.

Jets coach Arthur Papas told the Herald last month he has a plan-A, plan-B and plan-C if Penha departs.

"There has been a lot of work done in the background," Papas said.

The Jets signed two-time A-League championship winner and fringe Socceroo Brandon O'Neil last week. He is expected to be joined by former Wellington Phoenix duo Josh Sotirio and James McGarry. Reno Piscopo is also understood to be on the Jets' radar.

Papas left on Thursday for Greece where he will spend the next two weeks.

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