Australian footballer Cahill set to stay in China – agent

Sydney (AFP) – Australia’s veteran top goalscorer Tim Cahill is set to stay in China next season with three clubs chasing the former Everton midfielder, according to his agent.

The 36-year-old signed a short-term deal with Hangzhou Greentown in February just days after his contract was terminated by rival Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua.

There were hopes in Australia that he may head home next season and end his career in the A-League, but this now looks unlikely. 

“Things are heating up now the transfer market is moving again,” his agent Ante Alilovic said in the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday.

“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.”

The newspaper said Cahill was recently spotted meeting with Shanghai SIPG coach Sven-Goran Eriksson and high-profile Portuguese agent Jorge Mendes, who also acts for Jose Mourinho, over a proposed move in July.

Hangzhou Greentown are also said to be keen on keeping Cahill, one of the biggest foreign names in the cash-rich Chinese Super League, whose clubs have lured talent with huge salaries and hefty transfer fees.