Neill linked with Al Sailiya as Qatar calls

Neill, 34, has been looking for a club since being released by United Arab Emirates Pro-League outfit Al Jazira in June and now appears set to join the Qatar club. 

It is believed Al Sailiya is in advanced talks with the veteran defender with a deal likely to be concluded as early as this weekend.

Neill, who rejected a move to Saudi outfit Al Shabab after pay negotiations broke down in July, is ready to join the club which had courted his Socceroos teammate Matthew Spiranovic before he plumped for fellow Stars League outfit Al Arabi instead.

Qatar is also home to Socceroos midfielder Mark Bresciano, who has just joined Al Gharafa, and Neill’s defensive partner Sasa Ognenovski, who last month signed a one-year deal with Umm Salal.

Coached by former West Germany international Uli Stielike, Al Sailiya returned to the Stars League after being relegated in 2010-2011 and was once the home of former Sydney FC striker Bruno Cazarine.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck confirmed on Wednesday that Neill was close to tying up another contract in the Middle East after after his one-season stint with Al Jazira as he prepares for his 50th cap as captain of his country in next week’s friendly against Scotland in Edinburgh.