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Report: Tim Cahill has deal in place to leave MLS, join UAE side Al Wahda

China PR v Australia: Quarter Final - 2015 Asian Cup

China PR v Australia: Quarter Final - 2015 Asian Cup

Bradley Kanaris

According to a report from the United Arab Emirates, Tim Cahill’s time in Major League Soccer could be up.

The 35-year-old Australian international, who is currently leading his national team as they prepare for a semifinal clash against the UAE at the Asian Cup in Australia on Tuesday, is reportedly in talks with Al Wahda about joining them.

[ VIDEO: Cahill scores stunning goal ]

A report from UAE news outlet, The National, claims that Cahill is in talks with the Abu Dhabi-based club and has reached a “tentative deal” to sign for the Arabian Gulf League side after the completion of the Asian Cup. In the past Cahill has been complementary about the improving level of play in the Middle East and failed to rule out finishing his career in the UAE.

Cahill had a down year in MLS in 2014, as his season for New York was interrupted due to his involvement with Australia at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, and given the departure of fellow Designated Player Thierry Henry over the offseason, Cahill could follow suit. With just three goals in 29 appearances (many of which came from the bench) last season, Cahill’s production dropped off dramatically after scoring 12 times in 29 games in 2013 for New York.

With the Red Bull ownership group long rumored to be cutting plenty of costs, Cahill’s salary of over $3.6 million per year could prove too expensive for the Harrison, NJ outfit. Although the former Everton star reportedly signed a three-and-a-half-year deal when he signed for MLS in July 2012, so that would take him up until the end of the 2015 season.

Time will tell if this report is true, as Cahill and Australia take on the UAE in Newcastle on Tuesday to try and make the final of the Asian Cup against South Korea.

A decision is expected on his club future after the tournament in his homeland concludes.

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