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FOOTBALL FUTURE: Usain Bolt may play football for an Australian club

USAIN BOLT is in talks to head to Australia for a trial with a football club down under, according to reports.

Shaun Mielekamp, the Central Coast Mariners chief executive, said his club has been pursuing Bolt for four months, and it’s possible that a season-long deal could be agreed.

In a statement, the club said: “The Central Coast Mariners remain committed to discussions with the world’s fastest man and his management team, regarding what role the club may play in Bolt’s burning ambition to become a professional footballer.”

Football agent Tony Rallis, who has been involved in the talks, told Sky Sports that a deal had been agreed “in principle” but that negotiations over Bolt’s pay were ongoing.

Mielekamp said that the club was optimistic that Bolt’s time with the team could extend beyond the trial.

He told local Australian broadcaster Seven Network: "If all goes well, who knows? He may be lighting up the A-League this season.”

Bolt, 31, retired from running in 2017 and has been vocal about his desire to move into professional football.

The former sprinter still holds the world record in the 100m and 200m and 4x4 100m relay.

If Bolt signs to Central Coast Mariners, he will join Mike Phelan, a former assistant manager of Manchester United, the team that Bolt has long supported.

Last month he took part in Soccer Aid, a charity football match played by celebrities and former pro footballers in aid of Unicef. Bolt, who captained the “Rest of the World” team, scored in the match at Old Trafford.

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