Hangzhou Greentown forward Tim Cahill (R) dribbles past Changchun Yatai's Anzur Ismailov. (Photo : Getty Images)
Reports are out that Australian forward Tim Cahill is keen to stay in China after his current deal with Chinese Super League squad Hangzhou Greentown FC expires in July amidst rumors of an impending A-League comeback next season.
Several clubs from the Australian top flight are said to be eyeing Cahill in the summer as the 36-year-old attacking midfielder is set to become a free agent this July and speculations abound that he will come back to his home country next season.
However, the Australia international's representatives are quick to deny the said rumors saying that the Socceroos all-time top goal scorer "will likely remain in China until 2017 with some big (CSL) clubs set to make their moves," as per ESPN.
The report said that if Cahill will not be able to get a new deal with the Green Giants, then a "potential return to Shanghai" Greenland Shenhua is also an option.
Cahill's agent, Ante Alilovic, said that he is "very confident Cahill will be staying in China next season" because three unnamed CSL teams are said to be ready to offer him a deal in the offseason.
The Sydney Morning Herald confirmed the reports, saying that "the chances of Tim Cahill playing in the A-League appear all but over with the Socceroos' star in discussions to remain in China, with three clubs in pursuit of his signature".
The article said that Hangzhou is actually working on a new long-term deal for Cahill in order to keep the Sydney native at their side until 2017, but the details and clauses have not yet been agreed upon by both parties.
It further mentioned that the former Everton and New York Red Bulls standout was "recently spotted meeting with Shanghai SIPG coach Sven Goran Eriksson and high-profile Portuguese agent, Jorge Mendes, over a proposed move in July", which means that a move to the Red Eagles is also not a long shot at this point in time.
"Things are heating up now the transfer market is moving again. I am very confident Cahill will be staying in China next season, though with which club? We don't know yet but there are three clubs interested in Timmy. We are waiting for the right option to come forward and in the end myself and Tim will make a decision on where he goes," said Alilovic.
