According to The West Australian, the 31-year-old defender boarded an evening flight set for China after Sunday's 0-0 draw with Sydney FC.

It is understood Coyne will spend the week training with Shandong during a short camp before undergoing a medical, with a loan deal in mind.

Coyne's current employer, Perth Glory, have admitted they would be happy to let him go to enhance his hopes of going to the World Cup but revealed he will be back for next weekend's clash with Melbourne Victory.

Perth also claimed Coyne won't be released from the club until January 31, the final day of the transfer window.

Glory chief executive officer Paul Kelly also acknowledged fellow Socceroos Mile Sterjovski and Jacob Burns were hopeful of similar moves.

Kelly said: "Coyney has been the only one that has had any concrete offer or communication.

"The other two lads, Mile and Jacob, there is nothing concrete at this stage."

Shandong, who've won the Chinese Super League twice in the last four seasons, finished 2009 in fourth and will compete in the 2010 AFC Champions League.