With Socceroos striker Tim Cahill already ensconced at Shanghai Shenhua after his $6.5 million move, Leijer, 28, is believed to have agreed personal terms with the club that won promotion back to the top flight last season after four years in the second tier.
It’s understood that Victory is not keen to lose the long-serving centre-back, who has made 165 appearances in two spells for the club, but is unable to stand in his way with a $200,000 release in his contract clause triggering a transfer.
On Thursday, Victory confirmed a deal has been agreed with Leijer departing for China for a medical before the move is signed off ahead of the close of China's transfer window.
"Leijer won’t be training this week and will also not be available for selection for Melbourne Victory’s Hyundai A-League match against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday," a Victory statement read.
Leijer, who lost the captaincy to Mark Milligan in 2013, has been one of Victory’s key players in his combined total of eight years at the club.
He was part of the A-League grand final-winning team of 2006 before moving to Fulham, which was then in the Premier League.
Contracted at Victory until May 2016, Leijer failed to make a breakthrough in London and after a loan spell at Norwch City returned to Victory in 2009.
Leijer, who is set to more than double his wages in China, has made 14 appearances this season, the last of which was the 3-3 draw against Sydney FC 11 days ago.
Chongqing Lifan begins the new CSL season at home to Beijing Guoan on Sunday week.
