The wait could be over for Australian fans hoping to see Tim Cahill, the all-time leading scorer for the Socceroos, to play in his home league.
A new report says Melbourne City are on the brink of announcing the Socceroos striker as a guest player A-League signing as soon as Monday.
Cahill, 36, has long been linked to the A-League since his departure from English football, only to sign with New York Red Bulls and clubs in China.
But new rules and a fresh pot of money from Football Federation Australia has paved the way for Cahill to play his club football in Australia for the first time in his professional career.
A News Corp report says a deal has been agreed between Cahill, City and FFA that would see the lethal forward land in Melbourne.
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When announced, Cahill will become the latest Socceroo to land at City in the hopes of swelling attendances and improving their on-field fortunes.
John Aloisi, Josip Skoko, Vince Grella, Harry Kewell, Patrick Kisnorbo and Josh Kennedy have all ended their careers in City colours.
But Cahill's star burns brigher than each of those - even Kewell - and hopes are high the forward can help City leave a bigger footprint in the A-League.
Cahill has showed his ability to perform for the Socceroos well into his 30s.
And coach John van 't Schip will hope Cahill's experience will be a factor in City taking the next step and qualify for their first A-League grand final.
The report shows a photo of Cahill in New York with aligned club New York City FC, where it is suggested he completed a medical.
