The 24-year-old striker has managed only eight substitute’s appearances, totalling 181 minutes, since moving from Brisbane Roar to the German 2.Bundesliga club in May.

Maclaren, who was a joint winner of last season's A-League Golden Boot, missed selection for the final Socceroos squads for both the Syria and Honduras playoffs, amid his lack of game-time.

FourFourTwo understands Maclaren, who recently got engaged, may elect to miss Darmstadt’s mid-season training camp in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain, which runs from 6-13 January in order to seal a switch.

Darmstadt boss Dirk Schuster said: "We spoke to Jamie again and it is clear that he wants to go to Russia for the World Cup.

“He wants to have more game-time which we cannot guarantee."

According to Kicker, English clubs have recently expressed an interest in the five-time Socceroo, while he was last month linked with Scottish trio Rangers, Hearts and Hibernian.

Maclaren’s agent Paddy Dominguez claimed last year that his client had interest from more than 80 clubs worldwide upon becoming a free agent.

There was also a report that Maclaren turned down a more lucrative offer from an unnamed English Championship club in order to sign for Darmstadt.

Dominguez couldn't be reached for comment when contacted by FourFourTwo.

Ex-Germany international Torsten Frings signed Maclaren for Darmstadt, but he was dismissed as the club’s manager in early December.

Darmstadt, who were relegated from the Bundesliga last term, are winless in their past 12 league games and currently sitting 16th, in the relegation/promotion play-off spot.