Kewell´s Melbourne link severed

Socceroos star Harry Kewell’s manager has hosed down wild speculation that Melbourne Victory are about to swoop for his signature.

The rumour mill was in overdrive on Saturday night that the Victory were set to complete what would be an audacious and game-changing deal, and one of the biggest signings in Australian domestic football history.

His manager Bernie Mandic confirmed interest from Melbourne but branded rumours that he had put pen to paper with the club as ‘absolute rubbish’.

Mandic said that Kewell was in no rush to make a decision on his future and that he still had offers from clubs all over the world already on the table.

The 32-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract with Turkish club Galatasaray expired at the end of last season.

This week he was linked with newly-promoted English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers, alongside fellow off-contract Socceroo Lucas Neill, who also severed his ties with Galatasaray.

Neill is with the Australian squad in Adelaide for Sunday’s friendly against New Zealand, but Kewell asked coach Holger Osieck to not consider him for selection as he considered himself out of form.

Kewell is in Melbourne at the moment, having recently taken part in an official photoshoot and public appearance with menswear brand Politix – where it is believed that Victory officials were present.

Melbourne Victory are still without a coach after Ernie Merrick’s dismissal earlier in the year.