BRISBANE Roar’s failure last season to secure Brandon Borrello to a long-term deal has left them vulnerable to a poaching raid for one of the A-League’s hottest prospects.

Borrello, 20, scored his second brace of the campaign in the Roar’s 3-0 weekend win over Adelaide United, taking his season tally to four goals from as many matches.

His combination with fellow attacker Jamie Maclaren is becoming one of the most feared in the A-League and has played a huge part in the Roar’s promising start to the season.

But while Maclaren is on a full-time A-League contract, Borrello remains on the full-time youth player deal he signed before the start of Brisbane’s 2014-15 season.

It’s understood the South Australian product was on the verge of upgrading his contract to a three-year A-League deal last season under the Roar’s previous administration.

But the failure of ex-managing director Sean Dobson and former football director Ken Stead to seal the deal before the club’s financial crash has led to Borrello still being on minimal wages and open to offers in the near future when he enters the final six months of his contract.

There’s no doubt Borrello will attract interest from elsewhere in the A-League, as well as from overseas clubs, if he continues the form that has him currently sitting on top of the A-League goalscoring charts.

Roar coach John Aloisi is confident Borrello will eventually commit his future to Brisbane but would have preferred a deal to have already been locked away.

“We’re trying to get him to sign a bit more long-term – we’ve been talking to his agent (John Grimaud) for a number of months now,” Aloisi said.

“But I’m not concerned because Brandon knows this is the best place for him to develop as a footballer.

“I’ve been speaking to Brandon quite regularly about it and he’s happy to be involved in this club.”

Despite his good form, Borrello isn’t expected to be picked for the Olyroos for their upcoming friendlies in Dubai.

That’s good news for the Roar, who are set to lose Olyroos pair Maclaren and Corey Brown for their home clash on Sunday week with Perth Glory.

Brisbane skipper Matt McKay will also miss the match because of Socceroos commitments.

But Maclaren and McKay are certain starters on Friday night when the Roar meet competition leaders Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium.

“We know that Sydney FC are a good side but we’re confident against any side in the league,” Aloisi said.