Australia's all-time leading goal scorer was earmarked by A-League clubs and Football Federation Australia as a potential marquee for next season as he will be available as a free agent in July, at the expiration of his existing deal with Huangzhou Greentown.

However, Cahill's management has ruled out a move to Australia as the 36-year-old striker will likely remain in China until 2017 with a host of big clubs set to submit offers. In a further blow to Australian fans, Cahill may miss the upcoming matches against Greece after suffering a hamstring strain.

Fairfax Media understands Huangzhou Greentown are eager to keep hold of Cahill. The club and the player's management have entered discussions over a long-term deal that will see him stay with the club until the end of the 2017 Chinese Super League season though no agreement is yet to be reached.

Another option open to the former Everton man is a potential return to Shanghai. A club from the city is known to be hot in pursuit of the player who has been proven to succeed in the often challenging environment of playing in the Chinese Super League.

Cahill was recently spotted meeting with Shanghai SIPG coach Sven Goran Eriksson and high-profile Portuguese agent, Jorge Mendes, over a proposed move in July.

Eriksson's manager and son Johan was also in communication with Cahill's agent Ante Alilovic over the player's next move. Alilovic confirmed the discussions but says a decision on Cahill's future has not been made yet.

"Things are heating up now the transfer market is moving again. I am very confident Cahill will be staying in China next season, though with which club? We don't know yet but there are three clubs interested in Timmy. We are waiting for the right option to come forward and in the end myself and Tim will make a decision on where he goes," Alilovic said.

Australian football fans' hopes of seeing Cahill play here suffered another blow with the veteran striker in doubt to play for the Socceroos in the two-game friendly series against Greece in June. Cahill suffered a minor hamstring injury while playing for Huangzhou and will have to undergo a series of fitness tests on Saturday.

If he fails to return to full fitness before the weekend's match away to Jiangsu Sainty, Cahill will not travel to Australia for the games in Sydney and Melbourne. Cahill was ruled out of Australia's high-profile friendly against England on Saturday morning (AEST) due to the game falling outside of a FIFA international window and China-based players denied leave for the game.