Filippo Inzaghi's much talked about move to Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers FC is in doubt after coach Tony Popovic denied talks.
Veteran striker's search for a club continues after leaving AC Milan
Filippo Inzaghi's much talked about move to Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers FC is in doubt after coach Tony Popovic denied any discussions have taken place.
The 38-year-old striker is out of contract after his deal at AC Milan ran out in the summer and has been tipped to be the Wanderers' big-name signing ahead of the 2012/13 season.
His Australian agent Lou Nesci spent the weekend talking up the move after Inzaghi turned down a coaching role at Milan in a bid to extend his playing career.
"Filippo is certainly keen to come to Australia and the Wanderers would seem to be a good fit," he said. "Especially with a sizeable Italian community in that part of Sydney.
"I feel he would excite people. He's still scoring goals and still fit to play at a very high level despite his age. I feel he would give Wanderers extra appeal in terms of putting bums on seats.
"I realise some clubs might worry about his age after previous bad experiences with imports but I feel they should have no concerns on that score on this occasion. He has a curiosity to come to Australia and perform."
No discussions
But Popovic insists he has not had any contact with Italy's all-time leading scorer in European competition.
"There'll be talk of players every day, which you understand, but I've had no discussions about (Inzaghi)," Popovic said.
"A name like that will always excite the fans and people around football to see if it's possible. But a name in a paper is far away from becoming a reality."
