The 34-year-old, on the comeback trail after an ankle injury, declared he would be open to offers to return home following South Africa 2010.

Australia's first-choice left fullback began tentative negotiations with Gold Coast United, but the glamour club had no space under the salary cap.

The 63-cap veteran is also considering another year with Swiss club FC Basel or retirement, but is not expected to make a decision before the June tournament.

"I spoke to the Gold Coast but they didn't have anything because of the salary cap," Chipperfield said.

"I'll have to see what pops up in the A-League. I might just retire after the World Cup. I'll see what my motivation is like. I have talked to Basel about playing another year.

"I'm thinking about it, but the winters here are getting hard.

"There's two stadiums with synthetic pitches and another one going in next year and it's not great on my body."

Chipperfield committed to Basel for 2010 last March after fielding offers from A-League franchises Newcastle, Central Coast and North Queensland.

The Bellambi junior is buoyant about his chances of a second World Cup finals campaign after three months on the sidelines due to a ligament tear he suffered in December.

He has scored twice in Basel's opening three games after pundits doubted he would return in time to crack Australia's 23-man squad.

"I feel pretty confident at the moment. (David) Carney and a few other guys have done well, hopefully I can regain my match fitness and play well," Chipperfield said.

"The World Cup hasn't been the priority, my first aim was to get back on the pitch because people were wondering if I would be back in time. My ankle is holding up well and we have 14 games before the World Cup so I'll be able to get some match fitness."

If selected, the World Cup is likely to be Chipperfield's international swansong, but the former Wollongong Wolf refused to close the door on making his Asian Cup debut in January 2011.

"If I'm picked I'll go to the Asian Cup," Chipperfield said.

"If I keep playing, I'm not going to retire from the national team. If I am playing in the A-League maybe that will open the door because it is in the middle of the European season."

Chipperfield distanced himself from the uncertainty surrounding national team coach Pim Verbeek, who is expected to quit Australia after the World Cup.

"I have no idea what Pim is planning to do, I haven't spoken to him," Chipperfield said.