Socceroos captain Lucas Neill's release from Al Jazira could alert A-League clubs

Jun 2, 2012 9:52:00 AM

The 34-year-old defender's stint at the UAE Pro-League club has ended after just one season, with A-League clubs sure to be alerted by the veteran's availability

Australia captain Lucas Neill is likely to become a target for A-League clubs after his surprise release by United Arab Emirates Pro-League club Al Jazira.

Neill was surprisingly let go on Saturday after weeks of speculation over his future with Al Jazira, who also sacked their Brazilian coach Caio Junior, with the news finally broken by club board member Hamad Al Suwaidi.

Standing in the way of a return to Australia could be the 34-year-old's wage demands, with Neill reportedly earning AU$1.5 million from his nine-month stint in the UAE Pro-League, where the former Blackburn and West Ham man moved after a stint with Turkish club Galatasaray.

There have been rumours Neill may be keen to secure a move to another Gulf club, with rumoured interest from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Nasr.

The move comes as a blow for the defender, who said in early May he had enjoyed his spell in the Pro-League.

"I've been really pleased with the way things have gone and really excited for the future too," said Neill, who made 19 appearances and scored three goals in his only season with the club.

"I think this season has been a wonderful one both on and off the pitch."

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