Soccer: World Cup ace Smeltz departs A-League

SYDNEY - The A-League has lost its most prolific goal scorer with All Whites striker Shane Smeltz securing a move from Gold Coast United to Chinese club Shandong Luneng.

Gold Coast yesterday announced they had agreed to sell the New Zealand international for an undisclosed fee after a host of clubs had been circling for his services.

Smeltz has been among the A-League's best strikers since making his debut for Wellington in 2007, netting 40 goals in 65 appearances.

The 28-year-old's move followed an impressive campaign for New Zealand at the World Cup in South Africa, where he scored in the 1-1 draw with reigning champions Italy.

Smeltz flies to China today for his medical before joining Shandong, who sit third in the Chinese Super League after 10 matches.

"I am looking forward to the new challenge at this stage in my career," said Smeltz, who netted 19 goals in United's debut season to easily win the league's golden boot honours.

"But I am also sad to leave and will be watching out for Gold Coast's results; they will always be a club that is close to me."

United coach Miron Bleiberg said: "We wish Shane all the luck in the world with this move to China and although we are keen to bring in a replacement, we will not be making any hasty decisions.

"Shane did a great job for us, but this transfer was not entirely unexpected and now we have to move on with our preparation."

Smeltz played with Mansfield Town, Wimbledon and Halifax Town before joining the Phoenix. He was the A-League's Golden Boot in 2008 and 2009.

- AAP