Central Coast Mariners have confirmed they have offered Usain Bolt a contract, with both the club and the Olympic champion's management team still in negotiations.
There has been plenty of speculation regarding Bolt's future in recent days, with the Mariners releasing a statement on Tuesday morning to provide some clarity.
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Until the matter is resolved, Bolt won't train with the club this week to ensure there are no distractions ahead of the club's home match against Melbourne City on Saturday.
In the statement, the Mariners both parties are still exploring all options to ensure Bolt has every chance possible to fulfill his dream to play professional football.
"Usain has made great progression during his time on the Central Coast and we feel that he will improve further with more individual intensive training and competitive game time," the statement read.
"We are looking at ways to do this as the club does not have the luxury to be able to do this in the Hyundai A-League.
"Regarding the commercial terms of the negotiations, Usain Bolt’s management and the Central Coast Mariners are in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties.
"It is important to note, that contract values speculated in the media are incorrect.
"Without the financial contribution of an external third-party, it is unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms."
Bolt has been trialling with the Mariners since August in his bid to win a deal with the club.
He scored two goals in the club's pre-season friendly against a Macarthur South West United XI earlier this month.
