A-League's new club western Sydney club would be interested in Lucas Neill if he decides to return home

04/06/2012 2:45:00 PM

The A-League's newest franchise have admitted they would be crazy not to explore the option of signing big-names Lucas Neill and Scott Chipperfield

The executive chairman of the A-League's new western Sydney franchise says the club would be interested in signing high-profile pair Lucas Neill and Scott Chipperfield.

Neill, the current Australia captain skipper, was released by UAE club Al Jazira on Saturday, prompting speculation the 34-year-old could opt to return to Australia.

The western Sydney's club executive chairman Lyall Gorman said the club would be silly to not explore the option, despite talk Neill's asking price might be too high for A-League clubs.

"The news that Lucas is off-contract has just crossed my desk," Gorman told Fox Sports. "There wouldn't be a club official in the A-League who wouldn't be interested in securing Lucas's services should he decide the time was right for him to come home.

"He's shown as captain of the Socceroos to be a great leader, but at this stage I've not had any formal talks with Lucas, his management or had the chance to talk with our coach Tony Popovic to gauge his interest in securing Lucas's services."

Gorman also expressed a similar sentiment with veteran former Socceroo Chipperfield, who has finished up with Swiss champions FC Basel after a decade at the club.

Left-sided utility Chipperfield, 36, has signed a short-term deal with Illawarra Premier League club Tarrawanna but is seeking an A-League move.

"Lucas Neill and Scott Chipperfield are just the sort of building blocks we are looking to put in place as players over the next few weeks and months in building towards a solid foundation at West Sydney," he said.

"They are just the sort of players people instantly recognise and would add value to the brand and culture we want to bring to the A-League table. But they are just two of hundreds of names that have been thrown into the melting pot."

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