Cahill’s remarkable recent burst of six goals in seven games has turned Shanghai's campaign around and propelled it to third on the ladder.
It now sits eight points adrift of leader Beijing Goan with 10 games remaining.
Cahill's superb form has led to speculation in China the legendary Australia striker could extend his $6 million one-year stay for another 12 months, although his Australian agent Ante Alilovic didn't divulge whether any talks had taken place.
Alilovic did reveal however, significant interest from the Persian Gulf.
“There is a mega deal from the Middle East there for Tim to consider. I have been contacted by a club and they are very interested in signing him," Alilovic said.
“At this stage, Tim is committed to Shanghai until the end of this season. Beyond that we are exploring all options and no decisons have yet been made."
The Middle East is home to Cahill's international team mate Mark Milligan, who recently signed with Dubai-based Baniyas SC, as well as former Australia stars Brett Holman (Al Nasr, Dubai) and Mark Bresciano (Al-Gharafa, Qatar).
Alilovic, a former professional in his own right in both Germany and Croatia during a career cut short by injury, has been Cahill’s closest confidante during his six months in China. He has spent half that time in Shanghai as Cahill's right hand man behind the scenes.
Cahill returned to training on Saturday after spending the two-week mid-season break in his adopted city of New York with his family.
Alilovic described Cahill as “a machine” with a commitment to his craft that is burning brighter than ever, as he traverses the veteran stage of his career.
“To be honest, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Alilovic said.
“The guy's a machine, a robot. He never stops working on his game and his fitness and that’s why he just keeps on delivering.
“Even when you see him away from training it’s all about his stretching, his diet and all those fine little details which show you why he’s still potent in his mid-30s.
"He never tires. His energy is always pumping and he’s got the enthusiasm of a teenager. It’s all about total dedication to doing what he loves and he leaves nothing to chance.
“Having spent so much time with him now, it’s not surprising at all that he’s still at the top of his game.
“Age means nothing to him. It's all in the preparation and the attitude he brings to football.
"He’s certainly got a lot more still in the tank, and if that means he stays in China for another year or he moves on then I am sure he would embrace that with the appetite which he has shown all this year.”
Cahill was forced by French coach Francis Gillot, in a large proportion of his his first 13 games for Shanghai, to play in a deeper lying role.
The ploy delayed his detonation in front of goal however, with the Australian managing only a solitary goal in that period. There was even talk emanating from the Chinese media that Cahill might be loaned out.
But that evaporated as quickly as it started, and Cahill’s purple patch began in the 3-1 win over Liaoning Whowin on 20 June.
Everything he has touched since has turned to goals, with his club picking up 14 points from a possible 21 during his recent run.
Cahill has combined with new arrivals Demba Ba (pictured above with Cahill and Alilovic) and former Liverpool and Juventus midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, to devastating effect.
Alilovic said Cahill is focused on the remainder of the season and that there is plenty to play for in the final stretch.
“From Tim's perspective, it’s really business as usual,” Alilovic said.
“There are 10 games left and the league title is still up for grabs as well as (AFC) Champions League spots, and he has set his sights on bagging a few more before the year is out.”
Cahill will be out to put those words into practice when Shanghai return to action against 12th placed Hangzhou on Monday night.
