Football: Cahill signs with Shanghai Shenhua

Australia's Tim Cahill celebrates after scoring his second goal during the AFC Asia Cup quarterfinal soccer match between China and Australia. Photo / AP.

Socceroos superstar Tim Cahill will continue his club career with Shanghai Shenhua, having left the New York Red Bulls as a free agent.

Cahill had also been linked with a return to the English Premier League or with a move to Spain or the Middle East.

Australia's all-time leading international scorer said there had been no realistic offers from A-League clubs.

He said he was excited by the challenge of continuing his career in a massive growing market in China.

Cahill enjoyed a wonderful campaign in the Socceroos' Asian Cup triumph, scoring three goals and again proving himself to be a valuable offensive force as he enters the twilight of his career.

The 35-year-old had a year to run on his $US3.5 million ($A4.5 million) contract with the Red Bulls, but the two came to a mutual agreement on Monday (Tuesday AEDT) that allowed Cahill to become a free agent.

Cahill scored 11 goals in 27 appearances for the Red Bulls and helped lead them to the best regular-season record in 2013, earning them the Supporters' Shield.

-AAP