Guizhou Renhe coach Gao Hongbo admits he would love to sign the Australian, but despite Everton bolstering their attack with former Rangers striker Steven Naismith and opening talks with Wigan forward Hugo Radallega, he said any potential deal had fallen through.

"The club actually had negotiations with Tim Cahill, but failed to reach an agreement," he told reporters after Cahill was spotted at Wednesday's Chinese FA Cup clash between Renhe and Guangdong Sunray Cave.

"There were some technical problems, so Mr Cahill visits Guizhou this time. We really hope he could be interested in Guiyang and our club."

The 33-year-old's presence in China has caused a stir with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad also surfacing recently.

A sticking point in the deal could have been Guizhou Renhe's five-player foreign quota, which includes Australian defender Dino Djulbic as their Asian player and has already been filled.

Cahill endured a difficult 2011-12 season with Everton where he only managed three goals, prompting talk of him leaving the club.

Manager David Moyes had already bolstered his attack, with Naismith joining ex-team-mate Nikica Jelavic on a four-year deal, while Rodallega is tipped to follow suit.

The former Wigan frontman has scored 24 goals in 117 appearances and his arrival could cause further speculation about Cahill's future, with two years still remaining on his contract.