But the 23 year-old - described by Sutherland manager Brian Brown as the “best player in the Telechoice Premier League this season” - did admit there was interest from within the Mariners camp.

“I’ve been reading in some local papers that I’ve signed with the Central Coast and that there’s been an offer made to me. Nothing like that has happened.” said Bojic.

“I wouldn’t say I’m close to signing with the Central Coast Mariners at this point, though there is a strong interest from the club.”

Sutherland manager Brian Brown hopes Bojic can earn himself a deserved contract with the A-League outfit.

“I think Predrag should be a walk-up starter for the A-League; he is quality.” Brown added. “He played against Sydney FC last week and did not look out of place at all.

“I think first and foremost he’s a great competitor, he’s got the desire to win.

“He’s also very mobile and has great composure on the ball; he gives us a lot going forward.”

Despite the recent interest in Bojic, fuelled by an impressive performance during Sutherland’s much-publicised 2-1 victory over inaugural A-League champions Sydney FC, the Sharks defender says he had already turned down the chance to play in the A-League.

“When our season first kicked off, Wellington Phoenix were watching me," he revealed.

"There was a strong interest from Phoenix and the club made an offer to me at the time.

“After speaking to them, I rejected the offer because it just wasn’t realistic – I had a number of work commitments.”

Bojic – who enjoyed a short stint with Parramatta Power in the NSL and helped Australia progress past the group stages at the U17 World Youth Cup in 2001 – believes a formal approach from the Mariners should arrive within the next week.

He added: “I’ve played a couple of games with them and was quite confident but I haven’t seen any specific offer yet.

“I’m still speaking to Ian Ferguson but at this point, no official offer has been made, so I’m guessing during the next week there should be something there.”

Despite a flurry of recent articles about the potential movements of standout Sutherland performers, the central defender maintains his dedication to the cause of his current employers.

“I won’t be playing against Newcastle [for the Mariners] on Sunday because I’ll be involved with the Sutherland squad on Saturday night,” Bojic said.

“Playing for Sutherland right now is as important to me as it was when I was playing for them on my debut. I will remain totally committed to the Sharks until my time with the club ends.”

Sutherland are currently first on the Telechoice Premier League ladder and victory in any of their three remaining matches away at Marconi or at home to West Sydney or Wollongong would virtually assure Brown’s side of the Minor Premiership.