Tim Cahill turned down a contract extension with Hangzhou Greentown
Australia's all-time record goalscorer, Tim Cahill, has agreed a deal in principle with Melbourne City.
Reports in Australia say the 36-year-old is set to end his stay at Chinese Super League side Hangzhou Greentown to play in the A-League with the City Football Group outfit.
Cahill is likely to sign for Melbourne as a guest player, therefore he will be exempt from the league's salary cap with reports suggesting he could earn as much as £2.3million a season.
The Australian confirmed he would be moving back to Australia on Instagram by announcing his departure from Hangzhou Greentown.
'This has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave Hangzhou Greentown,' said Cahill.
'I have felt that I am part of a great family ever since the club president Mr Wu gave me an opportunity back in February. I’ve really enjoyed being around so many young, talented Chinese footballers.
'It is inspiring to see their development and there are only good things ahead for this club. The passion of the fans at every game, home and away, has been amazing as well and I’ve loved being part of it all.
'This decision is based on me wanting to be with my family. The president offered me an amazing contract to stay and I know he will continue to make this club great. I will miss him and my Chinese brothers and I wish this football club all the very best.'
David Gallop, the chief executive of the Football Federation of Australia (FFA), said negotiations were underway with the former Everton forward.
'All I can say at the moment is we're having positive talks, on going with Tim,' Gallop told the A-League website.
'I met with his manager yesterday and spoke to Tim last night. It's not appropriate to say more than there are positive talks ongoing.
'And I've said before, we'd love to have Tim playing in the A-League, I believe it's the right time in his career.'
Newly appointed head of the Australian League, Greg O'Rourke said that the 36-year-old's return to his native country would help grow the sport Down Under.
'If you're bringing back the Tim Cahills of the world, they can really make a difference in the marketing of this league,' he said.
Cahill, who signed for Hangzhou in February, had been offered a contract extension until 2018 by the Chinese club but turned down the offer.
The Socceroos skipper has enjoyed a globe-trotting few years since leaving Everton in 2012. After starring in MLS with New York Red Bulls he then made the move to the Chinese Super League with Shanghai Shenhua before a switch to Hangzhou Greentown.
If Cahill completes the move to Melbourne it would be the first time he has played for a club in his homeland, although he was on the books at semi-pro outfit Sydney United as a youngster
By Nivedita Shankar, Reuters
Daily Mail
