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Australian star Brett Holman set to end three-season Arabian Gulf League spell

Matt Monaghan

23:21 22/06/2016

Holman, 32, is currently a free agent after his one-year deal at Emirates Club expired at the end of 2015/16. The 63-times-capped Socceroo is yet to receive any further offers to continue a stint in the UAE, which began at Al Nasr in June 2013.

Brisbane Roar are leading the hunt to bring him back to the A-League after 14 years playing abroad, with further overtures coming from Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory. A return to play in the Eredivisie at AZ Alkmaar – the side he won the title with in 2008/09 – is one strong option in that competition, while Qatar Stars League outfit Umm Salal considered him prior to bringing in Jordan forward Tha’er Bawab.

He also turned down several offers from the Chinese Super League last summer prior to his move to the Falcons and that interest could be rekindled.

Speaking to SBS during a vacation in Spain, Holman was not unduly panicked about where his future lies.

He said: “There’s been interest from certain clubs in the A-League and also Holland, but nothing concrete has been decided. It could be a few days or it could be a few weeks.

“Either way, I am pretty confident something will happen soon.

“It’s just a matter of enjoying my holiday and leaving it all with my agent Paddy Dominguez.

“I’ve already experienced Europe so it could be the ideal time to head back home. I wouldn’t say Sydney is necessarily my preferred choice in Australia just because it’s my hometown.

“I also haven’t closed the door on going back to the Middle East. I am in a good position and there’s a lot of interest, so I am confident that something will be settled soon.”

Holman cut a frustrated figure at Emirates last season, repeat injuries restricting him to just 24 appearances in all competitions during which he scored five times.

Meanwhile, Sharjah have attempted to put the brakes on speculation star striker Wanderley is set for a transfer to Al Nasr.

Wanderley, 27, has been linked to the AFC Champions League quarter-finalists after another stellar season in which he scored 26 goals in 34 appearances for the relegation battlers.

“It is not true that Wanderley has been transferred to another club,” the King tweeted. “Any announcement about whether he is transferred or continues will be made through the club.”

Reports in Saudi Arabia have also stated Al Jazira have failed with a loan move for Al Hilal striker Ailton.

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