The goalkeeper, who endured a turbulent time in Scotland, is a free agent, having been released by the side relegated from the SPL in his first season at Tannadice Park. 

Told at the back end of 2023 he had no future with the Tangerines, Birighitti, now 33, sat out last season as the club’s third choice, briefly loaned out to Kilmarnock where he didn’t play either.

In desperate need of a fresh start, the Mariners are open to the possibility of his return to Gosford following the retirement of Danny Vukovic, now the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Birighitti, whose career has also taken him to Swansea City and NAC Breda, has fond memories of his three seasons with the Mariners.

He made 79 appearances for the club, and it was off the back of his impressive form that the one time Adelaide, Newcastle Jets and Melbourne City gloveman got noticed in Scotland, where he ultimately played 26 SPL games.

Still currently in the UK, Birighitti confirmed he’s been in contact with the Mariners and contemplating the prospect of returning to work under a head coach, Mark Jackson and a goalkeeping guru, Vukovic, whom he respects deeply.

“We’ve been talking and hopefully we can agree to something - let’s see how it goes,” Birighitti told FTBL.

“We’re just playing the waiting game. I feel like I’m in my prime years as a keeper and it’s important to me to get back playing and enjoying the game again, because I feel like that’s when I’m at my best.

“More importantly it needs to be right for my wife and two kids. Look, we’re open to it. Talks have been positive and let’s see how it plays out.”

After a potential move to Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel Aviv fell apart at the last minute, Birighitti ended up seeing out the entirety of his contract in Scotland, despite being on the outer last season.

“It was a tricky period but as bad as it was it was funnily enough the most settled we felt as a family with the kids in nursery school and my wife happy.

“But obviously me not playing and not involved in match-day squads wasn’t great. 

“I played nearly every game in my first season but when clubs get relegated they try and cut costs and get players off the wage bill. 

“But I told them if I didn’t get something I’m excited about I wouldn't just walk away from my contract. I didn’t find anything, so I stayed and just tried to keep myself in the best condition I could. It was the decision the club made and it was out of my hands.

“Now I just want to get back playing and doing what I love. If it’s with the Mariners then going back there and trying to win a championship would be great. It’s also been a dream of mine to play in the Asian Champions League.

“I spent three unbelievable years there and I know the club inside out. Looking from afar Mark Jackson and his staff have done a phenomenal job. It was an amazing season to win the treble.

“Vuka is there now as the goalkeeping coach after a fantastic career at club and international level and it would be amazing to get back and hopefully work with him because I’m sure he could take my game to a whole new level.”