Australian outfit Central Coast Mariners say they are likely to need financial input from an ‘external third party’ in order to sign eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt.
Bolt is currently on an extended trial with the club and the parties say that negotiations remain ongoing.
However, the A-League side admitted that they will need outside money in order to make the move worthwhile for the Jamaican sprinter, who has already turned down a deal with Malta’s Valletta FC.
"There are two main terms of discussion involved in this negotiation - football and commercial," the Mariners said in a statement.
"Regarding the football terms of the negotiations, Usain has made great progression during his time on the Central Coast and we feel that he will improve further with more individual intensive training and competitive game time.
"We are looking at ways to do this as the club does not have the luxury to be able to do this in the Hyundai A-League.
"Regarding the commercial terms of the negotiations, Usain Bolt's management and the Central Coast Mariners are in conversations with external partners to find a commercial solution that suits all parties.
"It is important to note that contract values speculated in the media are incorrect. Without the financial contribution of an external third party, it is unlikely that Usain Bolt and the Central Coast Mariners will agree to terms."
The statement continued: "To ensure that there is no distraction to the Hyundai A-League squad in preparing for this weekend's match versus Melbourne City, Usain Bolt will not attend team training this week, until and if, the club and Usain Bolt can agree to terms and formalise an arrangement."
The Mariners, who were looking to ‘offer clarity around the negotiations’ confirmed that a contract has been offered to the fastest man in the world.
"The club can confirm that a contract proposal has been offered by the Central Coast Mariners and negotiations remain ongoing with Usain Bolt and his management regarding his football future," they said.
"Both parties are eager to explore all options and ensure that if there is a suitable way forward for both player and club, the two parties will keep working together and formalise an agreement.
"The Central Coast Mariners want to ensure that Usain Bolt is given every chance possible to fulfill his dream to become a professional football player."
The 32-year-old Bolt scored twice for the Mariners in a friendly earlier this month against Macarthur South West, having joined the club in August for a training period.
