Mullen joins Melbourne Victory

Melbourne Victory have found a replacement for injured defender Nick Ansell, landing centre-back Daniel Mullen on a loan deal.

The 23-year-old joins the A-League club from Chinese Super League club Dalian Aerbin for the rest of the season, and will arrive in Melbourne on Tuesday to link up with his new side.

With Ansell struck down with a serious groin injury that could see him battle to return ahead of the A-League’s final series, Victory coach Ange Postecoglou was forced to field midfielder Leigh Broxham in defence in the 1-0 loss to Mullen’s former side Adelaide United on Friday.

Mullen is likely to be available in time for Victory’s highly anticipated meeting with Western Sydney on Saturday, with Postecoglou’s side having lost second spot on the table to the Wanderers over the weekend.

“With Nick Ansell’s unfortunate groin injury, Daniel’s arrival provides a bit more defensive depth and cover in our squad for the rest of this season,” Postecoglou said via club statement.

“Daniel has already shown his talent in the A-League during his four years with Adelaide United and he has continued to show plenty of potential at his Chinese club, Dalian Aerbin since he left Adelaide last year.

“We have no doubt that he’ll be able to make an impact for us this season and potentially could remain with the club beyond finals.”

A former Australia youth international, Mullen spent four years at Adelaide United and made 79 appearances for the club before departing for China in July 2012.

He picked up a sole Australia cap in 2009, and made 15 appearances – including 14 starts – in the 2012 Chinese Super League campaign.