Soccer: Heskey set for A-League move

Former England striker Emile Heskey has been linked with a move to the Newcastle Jets in the A-League. Photo / Getty Images.

Former England striker Emile Heskey has been linked with a move to the Newcastle Jets in the A-League.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Jets CEO Robbie Middleby and Troy Palmer - the CEO of the Hunter sports Group that owns the club - have met with Heskey and talks have progressed well enough for a one-year deal to be on the table.

The Jets declined to comment, citing the club's policy of "not speculating about player movement through the media".

Football Federation Australia would have to sanction any marquee arrival but FFA sources have confirmed this would be a formality.

The 34-year-old centre forward left Aston Villa at the end of last season and has been looking for a new deal since.

Heskey has earned 62 caps for England, travelled to three FIFA World Cups and played for Leicester City, Liverpool, Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic and Aston Villa in an 18-year career.

His strength and ability to hold the ball up would dovetail with the youth and energy of van Egmond's squad.

The striker had been linked with moves to Stoke, Norwich and Spanish side Espanyol - and also an emotional return to Liverpool, where he won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup in a four-year spell.

But he recently insisted he was fit enough to play immediately for a new side. "I feel as fit and hungry as I have done in a long time and have been training everyday throughout the summer," Heskey said.

"As has been reported, I did receive a number of offers during the transfer window but didn't feel like any of them were the right opportunity for me at that time."

-nzherald.co.nz