Soccer: Smeltz may be on the move

All Whites and Gold Coast striker Shane Smeltz. Photo / Greg Bowker

Striker Shane Smeltz's Australian club won't stand in his way as he negotiates a future offshore following his exploits for New Zealand at the soccer World Cup.

Gold Coast United coach Miron Bleiberg says prolific A-League goalscorer Smeltz could well leave the club before the start of the season next month.

Smeltz, who scored the All Whites' goal in their historic 1-1 draw with Italy at the World Cup in South Africa, is due back for pre-season training next week but the former Wellington Phoenix front man may have limited involvement in the buildup to the A-League.

"Shane is negotiating with several clubs and there is every possibility he could leave and if that is the case we would wish him well," Bleiberg told the Gold Coast Bulletin.

"He's been great for us but he has a clause in his contract which guarantees a release and the club has never sought to force him to stay if he wants to further his career elsewhere."

Two-time Golden Boot winner Smeltz has a A$300,000 ($370,206) buyout clause in his three-year deal.

Smeltz, 28, has continually been linked with clubs in Turkey and Asia. Bleiberg confirmed an official offer had yet to be tabled.

"It's obviously best for us if things are sorted out ... and of course we want to hold on to him because he's a born goalscorer which no A-League club would want to lose."

Smeltz indicated during the World Cup that he was seeking to move to a bigger stage.

"Hopefully I will get noticed. Every player wants to play at the highest level they can and make the most out of what is a short career in football, so I'm hopeful that something might come up," he said.

"If not then I'll be happy to stay at United. I am content on the Coast and so is my family. It's where I grew up, so we will wait and see."

- NZPA