Soccer: Gold Coast happy for Smeltz to leave

Shane Smeltz is set to leave Gold Coast United for Turkish club Genclerbirligi. Photo / Getty Images

Gold Coast United are doing anything but encouraging All Whites striker Shane Smeltz to stay with their club.

Smeltz is in Turkey's capital Ankara for talks and a medical with Turkish Super League club Genclerbirligi.

United CEO Clive Mensink says the two clubs have already agreed to transfer terms in principle and are happy to see Smeltz chasing his dreams.

"It's just part of professional football that players like Smeltz are going to attract attention from overseas clubs," Mesink says.

Mesink says in football the goal is always to play in Europe and they will help him to do that.

Confirmation of the deal is expected shortly.

Smeltz has made no secret of his desire to play overseas again and this seems a far more logical move for him than his recent ill-fated and short-lived dabble into China with Chinese Super League team Shandong Luneng

His new club, Genclerbirligi, is based in Turkey's capital Ankara and plays in the 18-team Turkish Super League, where they finished tenth last season.

They have started this season with two goal-less draws, making the Kiwi striker an attractive target.

Smeltz will have Australasian company at his new club with current Socceroos Bruce Djite and Mile Jedinak both currently on their books.

- NEWSTALK ZB