According to the local newspaper in Newcastle, Moore had a stand-up row with Roeder at a training session last month over his injury-plagued career on Tyneside.

It came after the side's 2-1 defeat against Portsmouth. Moore hadn't been expected to play after suffering another injury, but started the match.

He played for 29 minutes and United conceded a goal before he was taken off - and never played for Newcastle again. He was axed by the new boss Sam Allardyce yesterday.

His agent told Newcastle's The Journal newspaper that newly-promoted Sunderland were interested in signing the Socceroo, but a return to Australia and the A-league is possible.

The former Rangers centre-back has property in Queensland and Roar are said to be keen on bringing him to Brisbane next season. They are set to meet him tomorrow (Friday) to begin contract talks.

But Moore, 31, is also believed to be looking at moving to a club in the Middle East.

"He's back in Australia after the season and we are looking at all options," agent John Viola told The Journal.

"I know for a fact Sunderland want to sign him, and we'll also see what the options are in Australia.

"The big attraction for Craig Moore (at Roar) is that Frank Farina is the manager, that's the big attraction because they respect each other. In the next couple of days we will sit down and have a chat about Craig.

"He's looking at Australia, the UK and Dubai but in my opinion the UK will be out and it will be between Dubai and here."