Culina linked with move abroad

The former PSV Eindhoven ace, who has two years remaining on his $3.3 million deal, is believed to have an unnamed agent in Europe canvassing clubs on his behalf.

He is also thought to have a get-out cause on his contract at Skilled Park.

Culina, meanwhile attempted to hose down the talk, insisting he is looking forward to seeing out his current deal. But he refused to discuss any offers he may have received to return to either Europe or even in Asia or the Middle East.

"I don't want to talk about anything to do with any offers and I am happy to be here on the Gold Cost,” Culina told The World Game.

“I am looking forward to staying where I am.”

Coach Miron Bleiberg insists that his Australian marquee is not for sale, but under the terms of his deal it’s understood Culina can exercise the option of quitting the club, even if it means switching to another A-League outfit with no transfer fee payable under FFA rules.

His agent Leo Karis, the man who engineered Smeltz’s exit to China this week, maintains that there is no immediate plan for Culina to move on.

Though the fact there is another party acting elsewhere only adds to the speculation that he might not see out the season at Skilled Park.

With United in the hunt for another marquee, either a midfielder or a striker, Bleiberg has been handed a sizeable purse to replace Smeltz, with former Arsenal and Villareal star Robert Pires high on the list of possibilities.

Culina, though, believes there is already adequate cover for the post-Smeltz era.

”Obviously Shane is a big loss by I'm sure Joel Porter can come in and do a good job,” Culina added. “I am confident the boys we have here can do a job.

"We had a great team last year and if we don get a second marquee that will happen in good time.”

”On a personal level I am just happy to be back and looking forward to the start of the season.”

Culina also signalled his desire to extend his international future for Australia's next World Cup campaign, with Brazil 2014 on his horizon, along with Asian Cup in January.

“We have some good players coming through like Brett Holman, who showed with two goals at the World Cup what a talent he is.

"Then you have those who didn’t play in South Africa but are ready to show what they can do like Mark Milligan and Tommy Oar. They are ready for the big stage.

“As for the older boys, those around 30 or more they still have the hunger and a lot to offer also.”

Bleiberg said of his hunt for a marquee: “Clive Palmer has opened his wallet which is very good of him.

“We are searching for a striker to replace Smeltz and also searching for a marquee and maybe we could land two-in-one by landing a striker who is also a marquee.

“If not maybe somebody like Pires, who is a name that has crossed my desk. He is one of many we are considering.”