Chipperfield, a pivotal member of Australia's historic 2006 World Cup campaign in Germany, declared this week he wanted to play in Europe until after the 2010 finals.

The 33-year-old is set to join German club Hertha Berlin for the rest of the European season, pending an examination on a foot injury.

Chipperfield's potential loan move from Swiss club FC Basel to the Bundesliga could be extended to 2009-10 if the injury isn't serious.

The 58-cap Socceroos veteran said ending his eight-year tenure at St Jakob Park in favour of a move to Berlin's Olympic Stadium would serve his World Cup aspirations better than a move back to the A-League.

"Staying in Europe for another year might be best with South Africa 2010 coming up because I really want to be a part of it," Chipperfield said. "The offer from Germany is only for six months though, so I'll have to wait and see what happens."

However, the Bellambi junior said his long-term goal was an Australian swansong, preferably with an A-League club from Wollongong.

"My long term goal is to come back and play in the A-League, maybe if a team from my home town (South Coast FC) gets the nod for 2010-2011," Chipperfield said.

"That would be great for me."

The left-sided player was a leading candidate for expansion club Gold Coast United's inaugural marquee player position before Socceroos team-mate Jason Culina signed earlier this month.

Chipperfield has also been linked to the North Queensland Fury, who are also courting ex-Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler.

The expansion club has already signed Illawarra juniors Jacob Timpano, Brendon Santalab and Justin Pasfield for their debut season in the national competition.