Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt has entered into discussions to sign for Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners on a trial, the club have confirmed.

The Mariners, who announced the appointment of Mike Phelan as sporting director on Monday, said the initial proposals were for a six-week period.

No contract is guaranteed for Bolt, who retired from the track after the 2017 World Championships and has previously expressed a desire to play professional football.

“The Central Coast Mariners remain committed to discussions with the world’s fastest man and his management team, regarding what role the Club may play in Bolt’s burning ambition to become a professional footballer”, a statement from the club said.

The 31-year-old eight-time Olympic champion has recently trained with Norwegian side Stromsgodset and Bundesliga’s Borussia Dortmund.

The Mariners are based in Gosford – about 50 miles north of Sydney – and finished bottom in the A-League last season, recording the longest winless run of 11 games.

Former Central Coast players include John Sutton, who had spells at Wycombe and Motherwell, former Swindon, Cardiff and Plymouth midfielder Wayne O’Sullivan and former Nottingham Forest and Northampton defender Chris Doig.