EAST ASIA

China, Korea and Japan’s top divisions loom as potential options, although it seems odd for Cahill to leave City now if that’s the case, as all have recently concluded their seasons.

Cahill has experience in China, spending 15 months with Shanghai Shenhua and Hangzhou Greentown although he didn’t set the world on fire. Prior to that, Chinese fans knew of him from his 2015 Asian Cup quarter-final heroics against them, which included a bicycle kick goal.

Ange Postecoglou’s name has been linked with Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos, whom the City Football Group (CFG) hold a 20 per cent stake. If Ange gets that gig, there’s scope Cahill, given his CFG’s links, could be an option. But that’s pure speculation. We’ll bundle all three together in this case.

 
Cahill enjoyed his time in Shanghai, pictured here at the Chinese F1 GP

CSL/J.League/K-League

Pros:

-J.League and K-League are regarded as the best standard in Asia, while CSL has attracted some big players and is improving

-Plenty of Australians have played there successfully and maintained their Socceroos status

-All three leagues will be in full swing for three months prior to the World Cup

Cons:

-All three leagues have just concluded and won’t re-commence until February or March

-Cahill won’t be permitted to join any club until January

Will it happen: You never know. Japan or China possible if a club fancies him.