Jets favourites to nab released Burns

Burns, who had been restricted mainly to UEFA Europa League appearances for AEK this season, is a free agent having been cut loose with six months of his current deal remaining and is weighing his options.

It’s understood a return to the A-League – where he made his name with Adelaide United – is being seriously considered by the 23-year-old and his management and while Adelaide has also shown interest, a more likely destination is Ausgrid Stadium.

Jets chief executive Robbie Middleby has re-iterated the club’s continuing pursuit of the seven times capped Socceroos attacker who made 31 appearances for the Reds before switching to Greece in 2008.

Middleby told The World Game: “I am not shying away from the fact that we are very interested in Nathan because he’s a top quality player who would offer a lot to any A-League club.

“But when it comes to contracts I won’t elaborate further until things are concrete.

"But we are certainly keen to sign him if that is at all possible.

"There have been several discussions between ourselves and the player’s management in recent times and we have outlined to him what this club is trying to achieve.”

The Jets have dangled a hefty carrot in front of Burns, who could take over the marquee status of Jason Culina once the club, FFA and the PFA have reached consensus on the likely severance terms for the Socceroos midfielder, whose contract the Jets sort to terminate after signing him injured from Gold Coast United.

But it’s understood Burns’ first choice is to remain in Europe where he believes his hopes of breaking into Socceroos calculations en route to the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be best served.

Other than the Burns chase, Middleby has the pressing concern of assessing the futures of 10 Jets players coming off contract at season’s end.

With the club languishing second last in the A-League, but still with realistic finals aspirations, despite Friday’s 1-0 home loss to Wellington Phoenix, Middleby said that nine are effectively “playing for their futures.”

While keeper Ben Kennedy has just re-signed, the future is as yet unresolved for defender Mario Simic, Jeremy Brockie, Tarek Elrich, Sung Hwan Byun, Labinot Haliti, keeper Matthew Nash, Ali Abbas and skipper Ryan Griffiths.

Veteran midfielder Kasey Wehrman is almost certain to leave after his well publicised fall-out with coach Gary van Egmond, which has left him frozen out of first team calculations.

“Everybody that hasn’t been re-signed for next year is playing for their futures, whether they stay with us or not, and also for the future of the club in terms of this season,” added Middleby.

“I remember as a player I was in the same situation and it’s an important time to give your best, regardless of whether you stay or not, for the town and the club. It’s about their overall careers.

“We are in negotiations with several players and we will see how that progresses.”

While the Jets have yet to reach any great altitude under Van Egmond’s regime, Middleby is confident the tide will turn.

“We haven't been picking up the three points but the performances have been quite encouraging and I think the players are starting to get the way Gary wants to play and the future is quite bright.

“We have to give the coach time to implement his system and he needs the right players for that system.”