Melbourne City midfielder Anthony Caceres is set to sign with UAE side Al Wasl after deciding the possibility of regular game time in the A-League this season is likely to be limited.

Caceres, 24, had hoped for a breakthrough season at Melbourne City after a frustrating time as a fringe player following his move last year from Central Coast Mariners, but the club's recent decision to recruit Olyroos midfielder Stefan Mauk and their active pursuit of Socceroos playmaker James Troisi has convinced him to seek opportunities elsewhere.

After a recent phone call from Al Wasl's Argentine coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena, Caceres - who also has Uruguayan heritage - has flown to Dubai for a medical, and is now set to sign on a loan deal for the UAE season, which kicks off on September 16.