Central Coast Mariners have revealed that Usain Bolt won't continue to train with the club while contract negotiations are ongoing.
The Mariners issued a statement clarifying that they had offered the Jamaican sprint star a professional contract after the A-League had revealed the news on Monday.
But the Gosford-based club say no deal is likely to be done unless they can bring in external funding to help pay for it.
Reports had indicated the Mariners had offered $150,000 to the 32-year-old, whereas his management team had been after around 20 times that amount.
The Mariners said in their statement those contract values were incorrect.
The club 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.
"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."
Central Coast said that wouldn't happen in the A-League, but they remained committed to ensuring Bolt would be given "every chance possible" to fulfil his dream of being a professional player.
The statement said: "To ensure that there is no distraction to the A-League squad in preparing for this weekend's match against 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."
Coach Mike Mulvey had said on Monday he was surprised at reports the club had offered Bolt a contract. But he was brought up to speed on negotiations on his return to Gosford, and later told the media he had actually requested not to be part of the talks so he could concentrate on the football.
Central Coast are 20/1 to win the 2018/19 Grand Final while the Mariners are 3/1 to win their next game against Melbourne City, who are 4/5 with the draw 14/5.
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Central Coast Mariners have revealed that Usain Bolt won't continue to train with the club while contract negotiations are ongoing.
The Mariners issued a statement clarifying that they had offered the Jamaican sprint star a professional contract after the A-League had revealed the news on Monday.
But the Gosford-based club say no deal is likely to be done unless they can bring in external funding to help pay for it.
Reports had indicated the Mariners had offered $150,000 to the 32-year-old, whereas his management team had been after around 20 times that amount.
The Mariners said in their statement those contract values were incorrect.
The club 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.
"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."
Central Coast said that wouldn't happen in the A-League, but they remained committed to ensuring Bolt would be given "every chance possible" to fulfil his dream of being a professional player.
The statement said: "To ensure that there is no distraction to the A-League squad in preparing for this weekend's match against 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."
Coach Mike Mulvey had said on Monday he was surprised at reports the club had offered Bolt a contract. But he was brought up to speed on negotiations on his return to Gosford, and later told the media he had actually requested not to be part of the talks so he could concentrate on the football.
Central Coast are 20/1 to win the 2018/19 Grand Final while the Mariners are 3/1 to win their next game against Melbourne City, who are 4/5 with the draw 14/5.
Source: bet365.com