Exclusive: Jamshedpur FC close to signing Australian legend Tim Cahill

The midfielder was a stalwart at Premier League outfit Everton for many years before moving to the MLS.

Former Australia and Everton player and captain Tim Cahill is in advanced talks with ISL outfit Jamshedpur FC to play in the cash-rich league's upcoming season, Khel Now understands. The 38-year-old last played for Millwall and was released by the English club at the end of the last campaign. The former Premier League player can play as an attacking midfielder or even as a striker, which could be a boost for the Indian club, who lacked firepower last term.

"He has been on our radar for quite some time and we have been negotiating the move for quite a few weeks," a source close to the developments told Khel Now.

"The new coach wants him. His addition would be a boost to the squad and help us in attacking areas, where we lacked last season. His experience and work-ethic would also inspire the players in the team. A player of his calibre is a must for the upcoming season," he further added.

The Socceroos legend made his Australian debut on 30th March 2004 and went on to earn 107 caps for the nation, scoring 50 goals. He also represented the men from Down Under in four FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018). He scored Australia's first-ever World Cup goal in the 2006 edition and is also his country's top scorer at the global extravaganza with five goals. Before representing the AFC nation, he had also played for Samoa at youth level, as he had lived there for three years as a child. 

ALSO READ:

ISL season 5: The most anticipated clashes

Mumbai City unveill new head coach Jorge Costa

What does Josep Gombau need to resolve for Delhi Dynamos ahead of the upcoming ISL season?

During his professional career, he has gone on to represent the likes of Everton, New York Red Bulls and Melbourne City. Back at Goodison Park, he is regarded as a cult hero due to his determination and "never give up" attitude, which won him plaudits in England.

Over the years, he had become the sole goalscorer for his country at major tournaments, with some exquisite strikes which have been imbibed in the memories of football fans across the world, particularly his fiery volley goal against the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup.

Watch: Top 10 Tim Cahill Goals | AN AUSTRALIAN LEGEND

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

The Men of Steel entered the ISL fold last season and played their first match against NorthEast United on 18th November 2017. They were one of the best defensive sides during the campaign. Owned by Tata Steel, the team had a slow start, but soon raised their game under the guidance of veteran Englishman Steve Coppell. Although, they failed to find the back of the net in their first three competitive fixtures, they still made it to the playoffs in their maiden campaign.

After finishing fifth last season, Jamshedpur have made quite a few additions to their squad this year, particularly their new manager Cesar Ferrando. The former Atletico Madrid tactician will be expected to bring a bit of 'Spanish salsa' to the ISL. If Cahill moves to the side, it would be amazing to see him perform in India and we could be in for some spectacular goals too.