MELBOURNE Heart right-back Michael Marrone has departed for China to discuss terms with an unnamed club.
Marrone has made 70 appearances since joining the Heart for their inaugural 2010-11 season, and has long been linked with a move overseas.
He was on the verge of a move to Serie A outfit Cagliari before the 2011-12 campaign but a change of coach scuppered the transfer.
Newly-capped Australia international Marrone will miss Heart's Week 16 match with the Sky Blues on Sunday, with coach John Aloisi wishing the 25-year-old the best.
"Michael has been a great servant of the club and has become a fan favourite," Aloisi said via statement.
"During his time with the Heart he has become one of the competition's standout full-backs, with his performances drawing recognition from his peers and earning him a Socceroos cap last month.
"Michael has been presented with a great opportunity and the club will not stand in his way of chasing professional football in the highly-competitive Asian market.
"Michael has always expressed his desire to play football overseas and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours."
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