A free agent since departing back-to-back A-League champions Central Coast, Nisbet, 25, also has interest from an unnamed second tier Dutch club.

FTBL understands Nisbet, capped twice by Australia, is yet to make a final call on his future, with the offer from the Scottish Premiership outfit still on the table.

Decision time is fast approaching for the diminutive midfielder, with the club which only retained their top flight status via of a play-off win over Raith Rovers, kicking off the new season away to Motherwell this weekend.

It’s believed Nisbet has consulted with Socceroos coach Graham Arnold on where is best to take the next step, with Europe the preferred destination.

Scotland is already home to a number of current Socceroos, and might provide the perfect platform for Nisbet to build from as he looks to nail down a regular spot in the national team squad.

Nisbet is acutely aware of making sure he signs for a side where he’ll gain valuable minutes rather than simply making up the numbers.

Irvine maximised his spell with the Premiership battlers, using it as a pathway to the Championship and beyond, a fact which won’t be lost on Nisbet as he juggles his options.

Speaking after the Mariners’ grand final win over Melbourne Victory, he said: “I'm sort of weighing everything up and making sure I do the right move to progress my career.

"I don't know where that'll take me but I'm excited wherever it may be.

"It's got to be a league that suits me. If I were to go overseas I'd need to make sure I get playing time.

"There's no point going if you're just going to come back straight away.

"I feel like I have got to make sure I make a mature, well-calculated step."