Milligan's Deal To China Far From Done

Newcastle Herald

Monday December 15, 2008

By JAMES GARDINER

NEWCASTLE Jets chief executive John Tsatsimas said Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua had made an informal approach about Mark Milligan but a deal was a long way off.

James Holland flies out today for a medical and trial at Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, and with captain Jade North headed to Korea in the new year, the Jets can hardly afford to lose another high-quality player.

Milligan is on a complex deal at the Jets, which involves a guest stint this campaign before he comes onto the roster full-time next season.

"The discussions we had with Shenhua have been very informal," Tsatsimas said.

"We certainly would not be sending him there on loan, which has been suggested.

"We don't do loan deals. If he goes, it would have to be commercially viable."

The Jets are expected to receive more than $650,000 if, as expected, the Holland deal is finalised.

"At this stage he is going to Holland on trial," Tsatsimas said.

"But the clubs have an understanding if the player is suitable.

"Though it would be sad to see him go, we all know the boy is a quality player.

"We will not stand in the way of any player going overseas if the deal is right for both parties."

The Jets are close to finalising a deal with a European-based Ghanaian striker for the rest of the A-League season and the Asian Champions League.

The loan deal could be completed as early as today.

"Terms have been agreed on. It is just a matter of getting the paperwork in order," Tsatsimas said.

"Obviously we want it done as quickly as possible, but we have not put a time limit on it."

The Jets are also believed to have been in talks with Adelaide hard man Angelo Costanzo.

Off contract at Adelaide, Costanzo is after a two-year contract, but at this stage the Jets have only been prepared to offer the veteran defender a one-year deal.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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