A-League club Central Coast Mariners unlikely to reach agreement with Usain Bolt

The Central Coast Mariners have clarified Usain Bolt's contract situation. Photo / Getty

Usain Bolt's future with the Central Coast Mariners is in doubt after the club revealed it was unlikely the two parties would come to an agreement.

Reports emerged that Bolt had been offered AUS$150,000 to be part of the squad this season - well short of the initial deal of $3 million which had been discussed with his management team.

Bolt's long-time agent Ricky Simms said Sunday that the sprint star had received an A-League contract offer, but did not provide any further details.

Amid speculation that Bolt had already turned down the offer, the Mariners issued a press release today stating they were still in negotiation with the eight-time Olympic champion.

The club said Bolt had made "great progression" since arriving on the Central Coast. Photo / Getty

"The Club can confirm that a contract proposal has been offered by the Central Coast Mariners and negotiations remain ongoing with Usain Bolt and his management regarding his football future," the statement said.

"Both parties are eager to explore all options and ensure that if there is a suitable way forward for both player and Club, the two parties will keep working together and formalise an agreement. The Central Coast Mariners want to ensure that Usain Bolt is given every chance possible to fulfil his dream to become a professional football player."

The A-League club admitted that it would be difficult to come to an agreement with Bolt unless commercial partners contributed to bolster the deal.

"Regarding the commercial terms of the negotiations, Usain Bolt's management and the Central Coast Mariners are in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties.

"It is important to note, that contract values speculated in the media are incorrect. Without the financial contribution of an external third-party, it is unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms."

Bolt, who retired from track and field last year, was in Melbourne during the Mariners' opening match, with News Corp. Australia earlier saying he was considering his options after being offered a contract.

He has been training with the Mariners for several months and scored two goals in a trial match two weeks ago in his first start.

To ensure Bolt's situation doesn't become a "distraction" for his teammates as they prepare to face Melbourne City, he will not train with the main squad this week.