Sydney FC keen to recruit Kewell
Reuters - Tuesday 07 June 2011, 01:27
SYDNEY - Sydney FC are in talks with
representatives of Harry Kewell with the aim of bringing the
Australia international back home to play in the A-League next
season.
The 32-year-old forward, Australia's first world class
player, has not been been offered a new contract by Galatasaray
after three years at the Turkish club and his manager Bernie
Mandic is entertaining offers.
"Any successful Socceroo who is interested in returning to
Australia, be it Tim Cahill or Harry or whoever, will be of
interest to us, and Harry is one of the most successful of all
time," Sydney FC chief executive Dirk Melton told the Sydney
Morning Herald.
"Whether it's the right time for him remains to be seen but
we need to show respect to our fans and Harry in that if he
decides to come back to Australia, we'll put our case forward."
Born and raised in Sydney, Kewell moved to England as a
teenager to play for Leeds United and later had a long spell at
Liverpool before moving to Turkey in 2008.
Despite being prone to injuries, Kewell was the youngest
player to represent Australia when he made his debut at the age
of 17 in 1996 and played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup finals.
Melbourne Victory also want to bring Kewell back to
Australia, according to local media reports, while
newly-promoted English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers
have also been linked with him.
"Every club that has expressed an interest in Harry has been
told exactly the same thing at all times," Mandic told the
paper.
"'You are welcome to make an offer but keep in mind that the
next move Harry makes will not be to a club offering the best
financial offer. The key to any deal is the environment for his
family'."