Popovic to sign for Qatar club Al-Arabi

Several of Australia’s World Cup stars are in the transfer news, with Tony Popovic’s impending move to Qatar the most interesting.

Several of Australia-s World Cup stars are in the transfer news, with Tony Popovic-s impending move to Qatar the most interesting.

Reports coming out of Asia, suggest that Qantas Socceroo defender Tony Popovic has signed a lucrative one-year deal with rich Qatar club Al-Arabi.

Popovic, who played against Brazil at the World Cup finals before limping off with a calf injury, was released by English Championship club Crystal Palace and has preferred the lucrative deal, reportedly worth $1 million, in preference to a return back to Australia.

The 33-year-old has spent the last decade overseas, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sanfreece Hiroshima (Japan) and the last five season-s at Palace, where he was captain during their season in the Premiership.

Al-Arabi recently appointed Cote d- Ivoire-s World Cup coach Henri Michel.

Meanwhile, Luke Wilkshire is continuing his search for a club after arriving back in England from his post-World Cup break.

Wilkshire has decided not to stay at League One side Bristol City in search of a higher level of club football, with reports suggesting that Premiership side Sheffield United, Championship side Leeds United and some clubs on the continent are keen to look at the 24-year-old midfielder.

The former Middlesbrough player, surprised many at the World Cup finals, given starts in two matches against Japan and then the Round of 16 match with Italy, where he proved a very solid contributor for the Socceroos.

Australia-s World Cup coach Guus Hiddink suggested Wilkshire needs to play at a higher level and that the youngster didn-t realise the potential he has.

Wilkshire told BBC Sport: "I want to fulfill my ambitions and have more opportunities with the national team.

"I have a young family and my preference is to stay in England but it all depends on the clubs involved."

He added: "I'm on the other side of the world from home anyhow so for me to go a couple of hours flight from England would not be too difficult for me."

Elsewhere, rumours persist that Scott Chipperfield is a target for Premiership team Charlton Athletic.