Tim Cahill set to stay in China after Shanghai Shenhua axing, says agent

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Tim Cahill set to stay in China after Shanghai Shenhua axing, says agent

Socceroos veteran Tim Cahill will sign for another Chinese side after his shock axing from Shanghai Shenhua, his agent says.

The 36-year-old is on the lookout for a new club but despite speculation A-League sides may make a move for him, Cahill is set to remain in the Chinese Super League, according to his representative Ante Alilovic.

Famous friends: Jarryd Hayne with Tim Cahill during Superbowl 50.

Famous friends: Jarryd Hayne with Tim Cahill during Superbowl 50.Credit: Steven Siewert

"He will stay in China. I'm in Asia now and will be with him in two days to discuss potential deals (and) there are a few interested clubs," Alilovic told AAP.

Alilovic orchestrated Cahill's big-money move to Shenhua last year, where the former Everton and New York Red Bulls star was earning a reported $10 million salary.

He had only signed a contract extension in November, but despite scoring 11 goals in 28 games, he has been ruthlessly discarded to make way for incoming signing Obafemi Martins, a Nigerian international.

Cahill announced his contract termination with an Instagram post late on Tuesday night, saying he was "very sad" after being told he was no longer in coach Gregorio Manzano's plans.

It's understood Cahill did not see his axing at Shenhua coming and only learned of Manzano's view during pre-season training.

There are four teams in the Chinese Super League with vacancies for international players and the transfer window in that country is still open.

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Cahill is unable to play for an A-League club this season as it's believed he was released after Australia's transfer window shut on February 2.

However, that hasn't stopped talk of a possible play for the Socceroos' all-time leading scorer, who has long tried to dismiss any suggestions of a move home.

Only Sydney FC, Western Sydney, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City would have the capacity to sign Cahill, who would become an instant A-League drawcard.

AAP

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