Date: February 18th 2010
Author: Not Specified
From: Herald Sun

SPECULATION is strengthening within soccer circles that Socceroo veteran John Aloisi has agreed to finish off his career with new A-League club Melbourne Heart.

Aloisi's management has been in regular contact with Melbourne Heart officials and the former national striker is said to have warmed to the idea to helping establish the new club.

Last night Aloisi told the Herald Sun that he wants to concentrate on the present finals series with Sydney FC before making any announcements.

But SBS reports that a contract has been spoken of which would likely be for the first two season of the Heart's existence, with the star apparently open to taking a large pay cut as he would take up an coaching assistant role with the Heart upon his retirement..

Aloisi was suffering from indifferent form last season, but he has scored nine times this season for Sydney FC.

With his 55 Australian caps, Aloisi remains a big name - and the A-League's highest paid star.
He is particularly remembered for his exploits with the Socceroos when they qualified for the 2006 World Cup.

He scored 27 goals for the Socceroos during his career, which also included a long stint with Spanish club Osasuna.

He would popular drawcard and personality for the new side as it tries to establish itself in the crowded Melbourne sporting market.

At present Aloisi is on a record $1.2 million-a-season deal at Premiership winner Sydney FC .
But he could be prepared to play for Heart for a modest amount by comparison.

If he came to Heart, he would join Sydney FC teammate and Australia's back-up keeper, Clint Bolton, whose contract with the Melbourne club was announced last week.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/aloisi-contract-talks-with-heart/story-e6frf9if-1225831872511