Tim Cahill close to agreeing move to A-League side Melbourne City
Thursday 14 July 2016 11:43, UK
Former Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is set to move to A-League side Melbourne City, according to reports in the Australian media.
The 36-year-old is playing in China for Hangzhou Greentown but has agreed a deal in principle to sign for City, who are the sister club of Premier League side Manchester City.
The Football Federation of Australia chief executive David Gallop confirmed negotiations between the player and club had taken place and described them as "positive".
Speaking to the A-League website, Gallop said: "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."
Cahill is Australia's all-time top scorer with 47 goals, having made his debut in a friendly against South Africa in 2004, but has never played professionally for an Australian club.
Greg O'Rourke, head of the A-League, has welcomed Cahill's potential move and hopes it will further develop the growth of the sport there.
"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 moved to Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenua in 2015 before his switch to Hangzhou. His career has also seen him play for Millwall, Everton and MLS side New York Red Bulls.
