Speculation the 34-year-old was about to sign with Melbourne Heart was rife on Tuesday morning before it emerged that Kewell could be re-united with former Leeds United team-mate Michael Bridges at Newcastle.

The Jets today released a statement confirmed they chased Kewell's signature.
 
"Harry's credentials speak for themselves and we were obviously interested in discussing the possibility of him joining the Jets," chief executive Robbie Middleby said.
 
"Negotiations progressed to an offer, but unfortunately Harry deemed it to be unsuitable for him and his family.
 
"We hope to see him playing in the A-League, because having players of his calibre competing in our league benefits all clubs."
 
A Melbourne Heart recruitment team are reportedly in England this week bidding to lure Kewell to the Victorian capital on an incentive-based minimum wage.
 
Kewell was a major crowd-puller and made a strong on-field contribution in his previous A-League season, in 2011-12 with Melbourne Victory, scoring eight goals in 25 matches.
 
A return to the A-League could help Kewell regain a place in the Socceroos team after he missed selection in Australia's squad for the decisive upcoming World Cup qualifiers, with his lack of recent club football a major factor.