Transfer Rumour | Neill to MLS

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill looks set to continue his career in the US, with the out-of-contract defender currently in the States trying to negotiate a deal with a couple of Major League Soccer clubs.

Socceroos captain Lucas Neill looks set to continue his career in the US, with the out-of-contract defender currently in the States trying to negotiate a deal with a couple of Major League Soccer clubs.

Coach Holger Osieck made the revelation in the lead up to Australia-s opening match in their EAFF East Asian Cup when explaining why the veteran had been left out of the squad for the campaign.

"He's in contact with two clubs and he's very likely to sign there, therefore he's not available for the team," said Osieck.

With the tournament being staged on non-FIFA sanctioned dates, the clubless Neill would have been a valuable addition to the squad, especially after the Socceroos defensive fragilities were exposed in their 0-0 draw with Korea Republic on Saturday.

The national coach would not say which clubs Neill was in talks with but the fact that Osieck has permitted Neill to pursue his club options is a nod to the fact he wants to help ensure his captain is playing regular club football in the lead up to the World Cup in Brazil next year.

After a 15-year playing career in England, representing Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham and Everton, Neill has been somewhat of a journeyman the past few years with stints in Turkey, the UAE and Dubai. Most recently the 35-year-old signed a short term deal with Sydney FC, where he played four games in last season-s Hyundai A-League.

With goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer recently tying up his club future with Chelsea, the Socceroos captain-s club future is another important part of the Socceroos preparations for next year-s World Cup. The 92-cap stalwart will no doubt want to ensure he is playing regularly in the lead up to Brazil to ensure he is match fit.

Watch this space to see where he signs.