EXCLUSIVE: Ljubo Milicevic would be a ‘fantastic’ signing according to Newcastle Jets skipper Jade North but the Socceroos defender has no intention of hanging around for a Hunter reunion.
While there are strong whispers the former Melbourne Victory man is being chased by Jets, North, who played with Milicevic at the AIS and for the national Under 20s, has reiterated his desire to quit EnergyAustralia Stadium, whoever the signings during the off-season.
North was a big hit for Pim Verbeek’s green and gold outfit as Australia secured a precious World Cup point in China last month and upon arriving home announced that it was time for him to seek an overseas challenge.
The dust may have settled on the China clash somewhat but North remains determined to pursue a fresh opportunity.
Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com today, North said: “I’ve spoken to Gary (van Egmond) since coming back to Australia. He knows my feelings but then the club has known my ambitions ever since I joined.
“You have to take opportunities when they are presented to you in football. Who knows, this might never come round again for me? This might not happen for me a year from now. You just don’t know.
“I do have another year on my contract but Con (Constantine) has said he would not stand in the way of players looking to progress.”
Although he wouldn’t be drawn on specifics, North admits there is interest from other clubs and he has two ideal destinations.
He said: “Playing in France or Holland really appeals to me.
"Obviously I’ve already learned a lot from working with Pim (the Dutch influence) but then I think the French league is a quality competition as well, a very technical league.
"But we’ll see. It’s just a question of looking at things day to day.”
As North takes a short break to recharge the batteries before a hectic period of Socceroo camps and World Cup qualifiers, his current club is busy trying to bolster depleted stocks.
Milicevic is on the radar but a deal for former Sydney FC man Ruben Zadkovich looks close to collapse with the player reportedly bound for English Championship club Crystal Palace.
And could it be that North sees the former Socceroo, who had an injury-plagued and controversial spell at Melbourne, as a potential successor?
North said: “It would be fantastic if the club could sign Ljubo. I played with him at the AIS and also the Under 20s. He has great experience and is a great leader.”
North was a big hit for Pim Verbeek’s green and gold outfit as Australia secured a precious World Cup point in China last month and upon arriving home announced that it was time for him to seek an overseas challenge.
The dust may have settled on the China clash somewhat but North remains determined to pursue a fresh opportunity.
Speaking to au.fourfourtwo.com today, North said: “I’ve spoken to Gary (van Egmond) since coming back to Australia. He knows my feelings but then the club has known my ambitions ever since I joined.
“You have to take opportunities when they are presented to you in football. Who knows, this might never come round again for me? This might not happen for me a year from now. You just don’t know.
“I do have another year on my contract but Con (Constantine) has said he would not stand in the way of players looking to progress.”
Although he wouldn’t be drawn on specifics, North admits there is interest from other clubs and he has two ideal destinations.
He said: “Playing in France or Holland really appeals to me.
"Obviously I’ve already learned a lot from working with Pim (the Dutch influence) but then I think the French league is a quality competition as well, a very technical league.
"But we’ll see. It’s just a question of looking at things day to day.”
As North takes a short break to recharge the batteries before a hectic period of Socceroo camps and World Cup qualifiers, his current club is busy trying to bolster depleted stocks.
Milicevic is on the radar but a deal for former Sydney FC man Ruben Zadkovich looks close to collapse with the player reportedly bound for English Championship club Crystal Palace.
And could it be that North sees the former Socceroo, who had an injury-plagued and controversial spell at Melbourne, as a potential successor?
North said: “It would be fantastic if the club could sign Ljubo. I played with him at the AIS and also the Under 20s. He has great experience and is a great leader.”
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