In a coup for the Reds, its former player received approval from his parent club early on Monday morning to seek a loan back in Australia.

Adelaide United will soon announce they have agreed to re-sign the fan favourite, seeing off late interest from rival A-League clubs.

Goodwin is currently in Australia after terminating his loan agreement with Abha but being unable to play for his parent club Alwedha owing to complicated registration rules in Saudi Arabia.

The Socceroo returned home with the blessing of Alwedha and was immediately targeted by United.

There is no suggestion that Goodwin’s return will be permanent, with the diminutive winger eager to see out the last year of his lucrative contract in the Middle East.

Goodwin has performed superbly in Saudi Arabia. His form in his first season at Alwedha made him a fan favourite, and there was much displeasure when he was shockingly loaned – on the behest of the coach – to a rival club at the start of this season.

 Goodwin’s addition adds much needed competition on the left side of midfield for Adelaide, with Ryan Kitto the only true left footer capable of playing there.

 So far, Adelaide has rotated Kitto and several other right-footed players in that role.

 The signing will also be music to Tomi Juric’s ears, with Goodwin’s ability to cross the ball from a variety of position on the left side of the park a bonus for the striker.

 Adelaide now boast a Socceroo front three – with Goodwin joining Juric and Ben Halloran as United’s main attacking threats.

Spiro Karanikos-Mimis is InDaily’s soccer columnist.